Invite Happiness
By: 2SC Staff
Feeling happy is something most people want to do as often as possible on a daily basis. There are few feelings better than waking up in the morning, taking a look at the world around you and truly feeling happy about what the day has to offer. For some, however, happiness can feel like an unattainable dream – something that they aren’t even sure really exists in the first place. People say that happiness is all in how you look at things. There is some truth in that saying but it doesn’t represent the entire picture.
Your overall level of happiness is also directly affected by some of the choices that you make on a daily basis. If you want to feel happier overall, you need to start looking for true ways to invite more happiness into your life. You can do this in a number of different ways depending on the situation. Many people find that focusing on happiness during the first part of the day to be most effective.
Here are five simple ways that you can invite happiness into your life. Some may be more useful than others so think of these a kind of happiness jumping board.
Let’s take a look!
1. Hang Out With Happy People
Everyone has a group of friends that contains that one member who just seems to be unfailingly happy at all times. Is it pouring rain outside? This person is happy, even though they got soaked on their way from the car into work. Do they have to work on a Saturday, even though it’s normally their day off? Not only are they happy, but they also found the time to bring coffee and donuts.
For some, this “Happy Friend” is a source of irritation. If you’re looking for true ways to invite happiness into your day, though, these are the people you need to be gravitating towards. If you only hang out with sad people all day long, that emotion will certainly rub off and affect your own mood. If you surround yourself with happy people, you’ll be happier as a result and experience a positive change in mood.
2. Throw Yourself into a Hobby
Everyone needs a hobby, regardless of what it is. Hobbies are great for those moments during the day where life seems to be doing its best to get you down and you just want to do something – anything – for a bit of a pick-me-up. Are you having stress at school or do you think you did poorly on that test and are looking for a way to take your mind off of it? Work on organizing your comic book collection.
Are you looking for a way to unwind after a hard week at the office? Pop on your favorite movie from one of today’s top directors, sit back and relax. A hobby can do wonders for your stress levels and can make you much happier overall at the same time.
3. Focus on the Little Things
One of the common misconceptions about being happy is that people who are peppier and cheerier than others at all times generally don’t have much wrong in their life. The opposite is true – these people have good days and bad days, just like the rest of us.
The secret is that when you’re going through one of life’s rough patches, you need to focus on all the positive things in your life in those moments. Focusing on the little things that make you happier will give you the boost you need during these dark moments. Mindful thinking is key when you try this tip.
4. Look for the Bright Side
Even negative situations bring with them moments of sunlight. Did you find out that your car suddenly needs $500 worth of work that you weren’t planning on? At least you know you’ll be safe and sound during that big road trip that you have coming up. Looking for the bright side in those situations will also help invite more happiness into your day. Yes – we are talking about the power of positive thinking.
5. Don’t Bottle Up Emotions
If you’re feeling down, talk to someone about it. Doing so can be a great way to take weight off of your shoulders. If you keep all that emotion bottled inside, you’ll negatively affect your mood as a result.
Opening up from time to time about what you are feeling with the people who are close to you can help with catharsis. Some people have found that by working with a counselor, they are better able to share all that they are feeling in a safe and meaningful way.
Final Thoughts
Happiness is really about the journey and not the destination. Nobody can be 100% happy every day of the week. What is possible, however, is to strive for happy moments.
One of the great things about The Happiness Advantage is the simplicity of the over-arching message of happiness being a choice. When you believe that you are worthy of happiness, you make the conscious choice to invite positive things into your life!
We hope you found this post on happiness useful. Please be sure to share on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
