What Happy People Do Each Day

Expressing gratitude for the good things in your life — and you can nearly always find at least a few — will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. If we are not thankful for what we have, then it is impossible for us to be truly happy. If you are appreciative of the things that you have in your life, the value of those precious gifts goes way up. So give thanks for even the smallest of life’s treasures and don’t forget to smile.

 

A little positive thinking goes a very long way. People who have achieved success in their lives will always find a way to look at the bright side of a situation. If things don’t seem to go your way, don’t think of it as failure, buy see it yet as an opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. Looking at life as full of boundless opportunity will keep you optimistic even in tough times. Remember that tomorrow is another day and another chance to get it right, brush off the negative thoughts and start fresh. You can practice optimism even if you're not naturally optimistic. It will get easier every day.

 

Believe it or not, engaging in a random act of kindness actually discharges serotonin in the brain, so that happy feeling that you get from doing something nice is not only physical but chemical as well. If we are kind to others and pay it forward, not only do we feel a sense of happiness, but so too do the people who have witnessed or received the selfless act. Serotonin is released in their brain just by being a bystander. Interestingly, many antidepressants are prescribed to boost serotonin levels in the brain…cscore one for kindness!

Holding on to hurt feelings and anger is not only a happiness killer but it’s no good for your body. Negative feelings can be detrimental to your immune system. Our minds cannot decipher between emotions from the past and those in the present, so when you hold on to anger, your body takes a toll. When you’re brooding over anger or hatred, it ruins your day. Forgiveness means resolving your anger, letting go of resentment and moving towards healing and peace. Remember, forgiving someone doesn't mean you condone their actions. It just means letting go of the anger and hate you feel.

When we decide to do something in life, whatever it may be, once we commit to doing whatever it takes to achieve our goals, amazing things can begin to happen. Committing to a goal and not taking no for an answer can actually give you a sense of happiness. Once we resign ourselves to the fact that there is no other option, we tend to find our true purpose and work even harder to get there. That is because we all need a sense of purpose, and committing to something offers one.

Taking care of your body and mind is a great way to ensure happiness. If we are physically fit we have more energy and that energy transfers to the mind and the sprit. Exercise is a great way to feel good. Physical exertion releases chemicals in the brain that give us a sense of euphoria. Regular exercise increases our happiness from the inside out. Additionally, getting in touch with your spirituality can also boost happiness. Feeling as though there is a power greater than ourselves out there can give us a greater sense of connectedness to the world.

If your life seems challenging at times and you feel a sense of unhappiness, try to gain a new perspective. Making small changes to the way you think can help you to become a happier person. You may be surprised to find out that there is much more to you than you once thought and that a little positivity, determination and kindness goes a long way.