How happy are you really?
If there’s room for improvement, learn how to be happy with these tips.
A few years ago, I had a sudden realization: I was wasting my life.
I stared out the rain-spattered window of a New York City bus, and saw the years slipping by.
“What do I want from life?”
“Well…I want to be happy.”
I had friends, I had my health, and I didn’t have to color my hair.
But too often I sniped at my husband or the drugstore clerk.
I felt dejected after even a minor professional setback.
I lost my temper easily.
Is that how a happy person acts?
I decided to begin a systematicstudy of happiness.
(A little intense, I know.
But that’s the kind of thing that appeals to me.)
Well, the year is over, and I can say: It did.
And along the way, I learned a lot abouthowto be happier.
Use these tips to start your own Happiness Project.
I promise it won’t take you a whole year.
The 15 Best Happiness Tips for a Happier You
1.
Don’t start with profundity.
Science backs this up; these two factors have a big impact on happiness.
Do let the sun go down on anger.
Butstudies showthat the notion of anger catharsis is poppycock.
Fake it ‘til you feel it.
If I’m feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myself actually feeling happier.
If I’mfeeling angryat someone, I do something thoughtful for her and my feelings toward her soften.
This strategy is uncannily effective.
Realize that anything worth doing is worth doing badly.
Challenge and novelty are key elements of happiness.
Don’t treat the blues with a “treat.”
Often the “treats” I chose weren’t good for me.
Our basic psychological needs include feeling loved, secure, and good at what we do.
You also want to have a sense of control.
Money doesn’t automatically fill these requirements, but it sure can help.
Don’t insist on the best.
There are two types of decision-makers.Satisficersmake a decision once their criteria are met.
Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers, so I learned that sometimes, good enough is good enough.
Exercise to boost energy.
Even a10-minute walkcan brighten my outlook.
I figured if I stopped nagging, my husband would never do a thing around the house.
If anything, more work got done.
Plus, I got a surprisingly big happiness boost from not nagging.
Why did I get to set the assignments?
Eat less ultra-processed foods.
As much as we hate to say it, ultra-processed foods are scientifically proven to lower your mood.
Connect with the outdoors.
Go on a hike and you’ll be happy you didliterally!
Hang out with friends.
Consider seeing a therapist.
When life gets difficult, it can be beneficial to have someone to turn to for advice.
2017;12(5):516-526.
