Is happiness truly attainable? Both scientific research and ancient wisdom would tell us the answer is yes. Here are 6 ways to become a happier person.
Believe in Yourself.
According to David Niven, PhD and author of 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People, studies show that across all ages and groups, a solid belief in one’s own abilities increases life satisfaction by about 40 percent. This makes us happier at work and at home.
Beware the Focusing Effect
“If only I had… I’d be happy.” Not true. Happy people don’t wait for x, y, or z to happen before they can enjoy life. They avoid what the focusing effect, or focusing illusion, which places an inordinate amount of importance on one aspect of life. Pascal remarked that we often live as though the present were merely our means, the future our goal. “Thus, we never live but hope to live; and always hoping to be happy, it is inevitable that we will never be so.” Be happy now.
Be Wise
Live to your highest potential. Ancient Greek philosophers saw this as the noblest of pursuits. A WebMD article from Oprah.com defines this Eudaimonic well-being as far more satisfying than hedonic happiness. A study led by Carol Ryff, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, revealed that people who pursued self-development tend to sleep better, weigh less, and have fewer stress hormones and markers for heart disease.
Be Friends
Take the time to develop meaningful relationships, not just acquaintances. Studies on happy people continue to show the importance of friendships and spending quality time with others.
Be Intentional – Make Happiness Happen
Happy people examine their lives and make the necessary changes to bring themselves more joy. A University of Missouri study showed that college students who made intentional changes (in study habits or social activities) experienced long-term happiness, while students who experienced passive positive changes only remained so in the short term.
Just BE.
Science confirms the correlation between meditation and happiness. An article at Psychology Today.com reports, “Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex—brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety. In other words, they were calmer and happier than before.”
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