How to Be Happy II

How to be Happy Part 2

In my experience, happiness has more to do with what goes on in our minds than our circumstances (it’s not what happens, it’s how we react that’s important).

Because the longest relationship you will ever have is with yourself, make it a happy one. Don’t think because someone has a huge house, is glamorous or prominent that they are happy! Happiness is different from success. Happiness comes from within and relates to what goes on in our brains rather than our bank accounts!

Happy people work at being happy. They make time to do things that help them feel good.  Once you’ve decided you are going to make happiness a priority, sit down and set yourself achievable happiness goals:

Develop daily gratitude. We have much to be thankful for. If you want to be happy focus on what you have not on what you don’t have.

Movement is vital. Stretch before you get out of bed and stretch tense muscles. Walk around your home more often. Keep moving.

Comparisons never work. Stop comparing yourself to people you know or people on line.

Be solutions-focused. If you have a problem – ask yourself, “what can I do about this right now”? Also ask yourself what advice would you give someone else and then take your own advice.

Dance. In the kitchen or go out to dances. It’s easy exercise.

Take your time. Stop rushing. Admire the scenery. Daydream. Look at the clouds. Slowing everything down for a few minutes every day helps your overall sense of wellbeing.

Reduce the time you spend on technology. Be present for friends and family (never use your mobile in the presence of others).

Play to your strengths. Do things that make you feel happy. If you’re good at gardening, brilliant. Get out into the garden and plant veg or flowers or do some weeding.  If you are not good at gardening, brilliant. Do something else that you are good at.

Allow the sun to bathe your skin. What sun you ask? Get outside every day and show your skin to the sun for 10 mins. Sunlight aids happiness (and sleep!)

Singing regulates our breathing and it is hard to take yourself too seriously while you are singing (and it doesn’t matter if you sound like a crow – just sing!)

Kindness is a universal language. When you are kind to others you feel happy but remember to be kind to you.

Feed your senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch).

Breathe slowly in and out for a few minutes every day.

Act the eegit. Laugh. Play. Even when we have lots of responsibilities, make time for fun.

Hugs are healing. Hug someone or have a massage.

Do not cultivate negative thoughts, over-analyse, try to mind-read or predict the future.

Concentrate on the present– the only moment over which you have control!

&nb