We all want to be happy and stressfree. But, somehow the daily pressures of life, stress and strain, difficult circumstances, betrayals and financial struggles keep us away from happiness.So, what is happiness really? There’s no formal definition of happiness. It’s the way we experience a range of positive emotions, including joy, pride, contentment, and gratitude.
Is it just about feeling good about oneself, feeling hopeful or just a string of positive thoughts? In her 2007 book, The How of Happiness positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky describes happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”
Our own Indian yoga guru Sri Sri Ravishankar, who runs the Happiness programme says, “Happiness is in the moment. We often keep delaying feeling happy. When I get a good job I will be happy. When I buy that Mercedes I will be happy. When I make a few more crores I will be happy. But the point is even when you achieve all this, you might still be miserable.”
So, don’t worry, be Happy!
Just a few pointers for our readers seeking happiness
Cultivate a hobby you love
Don’t wait for retirement to do what you love. Spend some time doing things you love.
Choose your friends wisely
Do you have some friends who sap your energy? Are your friends your Frenemies? Will they stand up for you when the time comes? Perhaps they’re frequently complaining and reminding you of negative events? Maybe its time to replace your friends with optimistic people who make you feel energized.
Don’t take life too seriously
Simply breath in and breath out. Laugh it out or talk it out. Don’t let things bog you down. Deep breathing and exhaling lowers our heart rate and induces feelings of calmness
Smile please
Smiling releases endorphins, which combat stress hormones i.e. Cortical.
Face your obstacles
Face your obstacles boldly. Try to fix things. If you need support, think of a time when you surmounted your fear and successfully took action. Be a problem solver.
Random acts of Kindness
When you do something for someone else you feel good. Practicing acts of kindness gives people a happiness boost. In addition, the recipient becomes happier and this even extends to people who merely observe the act.
