The Secrets of Happiness and Enjoying Life

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         A person is said to be happy if he or she has a positive mentality towards life and its happenings. A happy person is capable of enjoying the state of being as well as have a positive approach towards life's events that are challenging. In simple words, the positive psychology of the person leads to his happiness. 

        The scientific study of human flourishing as well as the strengths and virtues that can help an individual or group of individuals to thrive is termed as Positive Psychology. 

      How can happiness be described? The state of feeling good along with accepting who we are and what we need to change in ourselves for a better tomorrow is the key to happiness and positive well-being. 

A person's happiness is correlated with various fields which affect his well being such as :-

a) physical health
b) work satisfaction
c) social connectedness
d) genetics
e) spirituality/religiosity
f) feeling of being loved
g) satisfaction over physiological needs such as food, shelter, sex, sleep 
h) achievements or success etc.

        When a person is happy, it is evident from his behavior towards others. He or she will be confident and pleasing in nature. This state of being, attracts others towards their personality as well as encourages others to follow their approach towards life. Most of all, a happy person is a smiling person. Smiling is contagious and is easy to pass on due to our mirror neurons. Research studies prove that smile has surprising health benefits including lowering of blood pressure, reducing stress and capability to strengthen our immune system. 


        It is a common misunderstanding that happy and smiling people are devoid of sorrows or problems. It is nothing but their non-quitting mentality that helps a person to struggle and survive through challenges and difficulties occurring in daily life. This mentality is termed as positive mentality. They believe that every problem has a solution and that can be reached if we are ready to try harder and harder. They are ready to work hard to reach their goals. Eventually a happy person works harder towards his goals and the achieved goals reinforces the existing happiness. Thus, it becomes a chain of happiness.

Let us glimpse through the 8 simple steps that can help you to be happy 😊

1. Be Kind and Selfless: 


        Don't be selfish. Start doing things for others. Random acts of kindness can be unexpectedly rewarding. When we are the reason for someone else's happiness, it brings everlasting joy. Helping elderly or kids to cross a heavy traffic road, offering a seat to a stranger in bus, donations to orphanages, visiting and sharing time with the aged in old age homes, addressing the needs of the weak and suppressed etc., are all examples of you thinking for others and being selfless. 

        Studies show that 'Happy Hormones' such as serotonin and dopamine are released by such acts of empathy and compassion.

2. Focus on our Strengths than Weakness :


        Concentrate on your strengths than weaknesses. Every individual is unique with abundance of potential skills and abilities. Stop comparing yourselves with others. It will only weaken you. Be your own competitor and be in love with your self-worth. Be kind to yourself and stop pushing yourself to be someone else. Try to improve yourself each time, compared to your previous performances. By this way, you will challenge yourself for a better outcome and will be able to work hard with excitement and enthusiasm. 

3. Exercise Regularly and Eat Balanced Diet: 


            Physical health and mental health are two sides of the same coin. When you are exercising, the body is capable of releasing and harnessing the happy hormones including endorphins which are our body's natural pain killers that help us overcome discomfort and stress. 
            Spending time outdoors as well as eating a balanced diet will not only keep you physically fit but also balances your mood and positive thinking. Studies have shown the correlation between harnessing of good mood releasing hormone - serotonin and a balanced diet. Exercise also helps in getting proper and adequate sleep.

4. Socialize and Communicate:- 


            Man is a social animal. His brain is not programmed to live a secluded life isolated from others. Ordinary and mentally healthy human beings love to be in relationships and enjoy being loved. Spending time with affectionate friends and family members and communicating with loved ones not only reduces your stress but also keeps your mind refreshed and happy. Oxytocin, the hormone which makes you feel positive emotions are harnessed by these behavior. 

5. Do not hold to Grudges :-


            Learn to forgive. Everyone may not behave the way we expect them to. Holding on to grudges and anger will only increase our stress. This will affect the normal functioning of your mind as well as thought process. Release of stress hormones such as cortisol can develop chronic stress and curb your ability to respond with a fight or flight response. 
          Research has shown that letting go of grudges and other bitter feelings of revenge towards others through practice of forgiveness will eventually reduce feelings of anxiety, chances of depression as well as release of stress hormones. 

6. Practice Gratitude :


            One of the most beneficial human qualities is to be thankful about what we have and what we enjoy. Shifting our focus from what we don't have compared to others, to what we are already blessed with, is a positive step towards grabbing happiness. Just like being grateful to God, we should learn to appreciate the skills and potential we are blessed with, which will eventually help us reach our goals. 
            Be thankful about the human values you are instilled with, bunch of influential people in your life as well as those memories including the bitter ones which have helped you to be carved into the wonderful human being you are now. Be grateful about the life experiences that have taught you valuable lessons as well as every single moment you are allowed to spend in this world. 

7. Find the Purpose of your Life :


Some basic questions that may help you find yourself as well as your life's purpose are
  • Who you are? 
  • What is your passion or What do you supremely enjoy to do? 
  • Whom do you expect at the receiving end of your work / passionate efforts? 
  • How their lives are changing as a result of your commitment?
                    When you greet the needs of others with your supreme potential, compassion, passionate love and interest, hope will sparkle in their eyes as end result. At this point, you will surely meet the ultimate goal of your life.  

Hopeful Eyes

8. Living Life Mindfully : 


          Mindful living is nothing but living at the present moment. Do not fill your mind with questions and worries about future. Rather, live for the moment. Lead a non-judgmental life and bring your focus to your self worth. Do not engage living in the past as well. Past is gone and future is yet to come. 
        What you have with you should be appreciated and fruitfully utilized. It can be any skill, money, facilities, relationships, secured job,  a faithful friend,  someone to love, your mental health, physical health or even the air you breathe.  With the purpose of life in mind, one will realize that every moment is precious. Living in the bygones or worrying anxiously about what is yet to happen, is a waste of time. Practicing yoga and mindful meditations can help boost your ability to concentrate and live in the present.

 Bottom Line :


        Happiness is not just a word but the consequence of several simple actions in our life. Happiness is within us and is not that complicated to harness. Simple and easy modifications in the thought process and taking care of physical and mental health can help the brain release happy hormones in our body which will help us cherish the positive aspects of the moments we are in. 

        We have to train our minds religiously to reach the wonderful destiny of happiness and positive living. In addition to these 8 steps, simple recreations and relaxation techniques such as listening to music, singing, dancing, laughing, smiling, spending time outdoor or with pets, outdoor games etc., can help release the happy hormones. 

Happiness is not the absence of sorrow but the ability to deal with them. If you are happy with yourself and in love with yourself, you will learn to find happiness in the smallest of things that life offers you.  

Happy Living !!
Dr. Sheena Latif



Chief Trainer and Founder, ' Academy of Life Skills Training & Development' Educational Counsellor ; Life Skills Trainer ; Presentation Guide.

Comments

Unknown said…
Beautiful write up! It's always good to be reminded 😌
November 21, 2022 at 11:52 AM
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