Happy-People Habits

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

Genetics may predispose certain individuals to being happier. However, the real determiner of disposition depends on you …

Take Responsibility

We often await a life-changing event or soul mate’s “magic” to achieve happiness. However, studies show the wait could be long and fruitless. And, once achieved, these external factors cannot sustain happiness. Stop waiting and be proactive. Follow habits consistent among the most joyful folks and share the bliss.

1. Stop Seeking Perfection

A study found those who spend extensive amounts of time trying to obtain the perfect scenario, products, and events in life are less happy. Their counterparts, who find what they need and stop searching at “good enough,” are happier. Perhaps because they have more time to spend on fun (and euphoria-induced fitness) rather than endless searching.

2. Exercise Your Body

In only 10 to 20 minutes, a workout improves mood. In addition to the stress-reducing physical fatigue, a chemical reaction occurs. Uplifting hormones are released. Levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has soothing benefits, increase. Done regularly, exercise keeps your brain in a happier state. Happy people recognize this connection and repeatedly return to exercise.

3. Be Creative

Creative endeavors cultivate personal growth and healing. The intellectual curiosity involved helps us engage our emotions and find beauty in the world around us. Creativity provides an outlet for self-expression, a skill essential for healthy relationships. It encourages alternate ways of thinking, which is needed to overcome life’s challenges. Consider a fitness class that focuses on the beauty of movement itself, like T’ai Chi or yoga.

4. Spend Time in Nature

Being outdoors encourages physical activity—walking, gardening, puttering around the yard. It also helps the brain refocus, which boosts creativity and problem-solving skills. Both of these enhance mood. On its own, nature is a powerful force. This includes sunshine, which helps serotonin and vitamin D levels. Put face to sky and focus on your breathing to ease anxiety and lift spirits.

5. Forgive

It is impossible to be happy when clinging to past hurts. You may feel entitled to your pain and anger. You probably are. However, you do not deserve the ongoing distress caused by holding onto these offenses. You do not have to like those who hurt you. It is simply easier to coexist after allowing yourself to release the pain they caused.

Try this: Spend one pre-set amount of time venting over a painful incident, either with a trusted friend, in a private journal, or in your own mind. Avoid rehashing the incident, multiple times and to multiple people. Otherwise, you diminish the cathartic benefits. After one vent session, let it go.

6. Lend a Hand (or Spend Some Cash)

Volunteering and doing nice tasks for others releases feel-good hormones in ourselves—and probably in those we help. Spread happiness and be happier. One study showed those who provide social support are happier, even during stressful times. Perhaps helping those less fortunate puts our own stress in perspective. Research also proves spending money on others makes us happier. Redefine “shopping therapy” and buy a treat for a friend. You may be happier than if you spent the money on yourself!

7. Sleep Well

Chronic sleep deprivation contributes to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It raises stress-hormone levels, even in the absence of stressors. This has unhealthy physical and mental effects. Try to resolve sleep issues so you can manage seven to nine hours of quality sleep nightly. During sleep, the brain recharges and removes toxic proteins so you can function better upon awakening. Happiness requires energy. Replenish it!

8. Notice

Through mindful awareness, we learn to find value in life’s smaller things that often go unnoticed. Experience instant happiness just by noticing a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or your hard-earned sculpted biceps. Have meaningful conversations with people. Improve your social intelligence by noticing their strengths and appreciating their value. Improve your relationships by sharing these observances with them. The world is full of happiness-inducers. You just need to notice them.

Sources

“Health Benefits of Getting Outside,” at webmd.com.

“Ten Habits of Incredibly Happy People,” by Travis Bradberry at forbes.com.

“Tune in to Your Creativity,” by Suzann Pileggi Pawelski at livehappy.com.

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