Habits of Happiness

People have been chasing happiness since time immemorial. In what is now a predominantly materialistic, busy, and egocentric world, people pursue happiness in the wrong direction. We view happiness as a destination, something that we need to be in the future. We set so many conditions to being happy. Maybe you yourself have uttered the lines, “If I win the lottery, then I’d be really happy,” or something like, “If only I can go on a tour around the world, then I’d be happy.”

What if we tell you that you can be happy right now, right where you are currently sitting (or standing or lying down)? You see, happiness is a choice. It is not some side effect of your life’s circumstances. A rich man can be the unhappiest person on earth, while a penniless person can still be happy. When you choose to be happy and make a conscious decision to be happy, you will actually feel happier. Although let’s admit it, life can sometimes make that difficult for us. When you are starving and swamped with unfinished work, and all you want to do is go home to your family for a nice warm dinner, it can be difficult to convince yourself that you are happy.

Ways on how happy people become genuinely happy

Fortunately, there are habits of happy people that you can practice day by day, to finally help you say wholeheartedly, “Yes, I am happy.”

  • Happy people are not afraid to express their gratitude.

Happy people know how to appreciate people and things in their lives, and they are not afraid to express it. Letting your loved ones know that you appreciate them not only makes them feel good, it also boosts your mood. When you are thankful, you are affirming the good in your life.

Here’s how you can do this. When you wake up, list one thing that you are thankful for. You can list it in a small notebook, which you can call your “Gratitude Notebook”. For each day, you must write down what or who you are thankful for, and why. To start your morning in a state of gratitude is a great way to jumpstart your day. When the time comes that you need a boost, read what you have written down to remind you of the things that you are thankful for.

Next time you are swamped with unfinished work, be thankful that you have a job to feed your loved ones and give them a comfortable life.

  • Happy people are friends with happy people.

Joy is infectious. Being surrounded by happy people is a great and simple way to get the happiness bug. We are affected by the energy or feelings of the people that surround us everyday. Imagine how heavy a funeral feels, where everybody is in anguish over their loss. Now, imagine how light and happy a birthday party feels, where everyone is laughing their heads off and singing karaoke.

  • Happy people know when to let go.

We have always been taught to be aggressive, and to go after what we want. When we don’t get it, it eats us up. Happy people, after doing everything that they can, know how to let go, and let life take its course. There are things that will always be outside of your influence. After you have done everything that you can do to prepare for a job interview, waiting for the call whether you are hired or not is excruciating. But the decision to hire you is outside of your control. It is now in the hands of the HR personnel who interviewed you. There is no use beating yourself why you answered chocolates when she asked for your weakness.

  • Happy people exercise.

Happy people exercise – not just for health reasons (although being fit, healthy, and happy is not so bad) – but for its psychological effects as well. Exercise has been proven to ease anxiety and stress. This is because exercise releases various brain chemicals that give you feelings of happiness and make you feel good about yourself. This is the reason why most successful people always have an exercise regimen. Mulling over a heartbreak? Lace up those shoelaces and run around the park. Not only will you have shed some body fats, you will feel lighter and happier.

  • Happy people give.

Happy people know that giving not only affects the recipient; it also has a positive effect on the giver. Knowing that you have made someone happy is a happiness pill for yourself as well. Who knew that giving could also be selfish?

  • Happy people unplug.

Take the time to unplug from social media and the internet. Put the phone down for once. Look around you and take it all in. Look at your child sitting at your feet, playing with his hot wheels. Make time for yourself, for your family. Cherish your relationships. These are the things that can truly amp up your happiness and add quality to your life.

  • Happy people are not afraid to laugh out loud.

Really just laugh. Whoever said that laughter is the best medicine knew what he was saying.

  • Lastly, happy people know when to get help.

Happy people know that there will always be new things that they can learn from others. They also know how to get help when they need one. Life coaches, like Mary Anne of Being Your Thoughts can help you not only boost your happiness, but also improve how you live your life and your mindset. Live the happy life that you have always wanted. It is not that difficult, once you choose happiness.