The research results are in and – for better or worse -“Happiness” is another thing we have to work at, or, as I like to say, create. Creating something sounds so much more enticing than working at it.
So, if you’d like to create more happiness in your life, here are a few tips – starting with
tip #10.
10. Don’t be afraid to take some risks. It turns out that imperfect action is better than no action at all. Go outside your comfort zone.
9. Do something creative. I know this first-hand. Adding singing back into my life has increased my joy. By increasing your joy you create a wonderful joy zone which attracts good things… like Happiness!
8. Use positive language with yourself. Watch out for the negative self- talk — the “I’m so stupid about this”, or the “I never can understand this”, whatever it is. Replace it with, “I may not understand right now but I will eventually. I’m always able to figure
things out”.
7. Perform random acts of kindness. Practice compassion. Do good deeds.
6. Get physical. There’s no way around it. Exercise on a regular basis releases endorphins, and activates joy and creativity centers. I think doing as much as possible outdoors also helps us connect with nature – always a good thing. Movement creates flow!!!
5. Meditate. Meditation increases our capacity for joy and happiness. There are parts of your brain that become more developed when we take the time to rest and come back to our center.
4. Write it down! Writing short and long term goals down creates a direction and a focus.
3. Appreciate and be grateful! Think about what you have, not what you want.
2. Embrace change! Change will bring new energy to you and everyone around you!
1. Clear your clutter! (You knew I’d have to get back to this eventually!). Clutter creates physical blocks and paralysis. Too much stuff creates an anchor for a negative mental state. Create a home that on a daily basis supports your life with beauty and organization.
I hope at least some of these ideas speak to you. I promise that if you practice just one of these exercises every day, you’ll begin to feel better and do better – and you might just find yourself feeling a bit happier!