There are many ways to be happy. Here are seven of them:
- Boost your energy. Take a brisk ten-minute walk outside, or stand up and pace while you talk on the phone. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, it boosts focus, lightens mood, and increases the memory retention. And when you're energetic, the people around you will become energetic too.
- Reach out to friends. Make a lunch date, or send email, or open your facebook account and chat with friends you have not meet for awhile. One of the keys to happiness is having close bonds with other people. Socializing boosts the mood not only of extroverts, but of introverts as well.
- Rid yourself of a nagging task. Others call it, eating the frog in the morning. Answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist's appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer. You'll even be surprised you procrastinated for so long.
- Create a calmer environment. Clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming. Often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the "one minute rule"--never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment can create a more serene mood.
- Lay the groundwork for some future fun. Plan a weekend excursion at the beach, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening, reading an inspiring book, watching a movie --whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness. Anticipating it is an important part of the pleasure.
- Do a good deed. Shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise, or set up a blind date, or make an email introduction of two people who could help each other. Also, it is helpful to act the way you want to feel. When you act in a friendly way, you'll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.
- Act happy. Put a smile in your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions -- just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
Wanting happiness is not a selfish goal as what other people perceive it to be. On the contrary, studies show that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy,productive -- and are more inclined to help other people. So boost your way to happiness and let it benefits others.
