5 Things You Can Do Now To Be Happier
We are on a constant pursuit for happiness. The media has led us to believe that we are one product away from happiness, and thus never seem content. We find ourselves dwelling so far into the future, that we fail to saturate our present with joy and laughter.
Being happy has many benefits: you age better, you live longer, some researches even say you “glow’. But what can you do NOW to forget that trouble some future, and bring a smile to your face? Here is a list of five things you can do to be happier today!
1. Keep a “happiness” jar
There are days when it is easy to forget how blessed you are. These are the type of days that feel like happiness is a made-up concept, and you will never experience it again. These are the days when you need to reach into your happiness jar and be reminded of better days.
A happiness jar can be seen as having happy reserves for rainy days, and the concept is very simple. Each day, on a small piece of paper, write down what made you happy, what made you laugh and what you are thankful for. It can be anything from getting help from a friend to buying a new car. You then place this note into a large jar.
You can ask family and friends to also add to your jar whenever they visit, allowing you to see how they view and value you.
2. Have a deep conversation
This one seems counterproductive, but it is true. Humans have a need to be understood and feel like they are not alone. By having a deep conversation with family and friends, you begin to further understand your similarities. Talking deeply can be seen as therapy as misunderstandings that you may have had in the past are often clarified. You become more comfortable to express feelings that you were embarrassed to express or thought inappropriate at the time.
So ditch the small talk, and talk deep.
3. Listen to sad songs and watch sad movies
Adele is your friend! Watch Titanic on your worst day…. Sadness encourages positive thinking, empathy and repair of close relationships.
Scientists have done tonnes of research on this. They list the following as reasons why watching sad movies and listening to sad music is good for you:
- Sadness can improve your memory.
- Sadness can improve judgment.
- Sadness can increase your motivation.
- Sadness can improve interactions, in some cases.
