Happiness Habits

Happiness Habits
12 Things Happy People Do

Happy people not only think differently, they do things differently compared to their unhappy counterparts. That's according to a recent study conducted by positivity Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky who found 12 “happiness habits” in common in some of the happiest people.

She says if you implement these “happiness habits,” whether you are a happy person or not, you'll likely increase your brain's feel-good feelings, turning that frown upside down. No matter what part of life's path you may be traveling on, practicing just a few of these attributes could be worth a try in leading a happier and healthier life.  

12 Happiness Habits

1.Express Gratitude. When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. Kind of cool right? So basically, being grateful for the goodness that is already evident in your life will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. And that's without having to go out and buy anything. It makes sense! In other words, we'll have a hard time finding happiness if we aren't thankful for what we already have.

2.Cultivate Optimism. Lyubomirsky has found that “winners” have the ability to manufacture their own optimism. No matter what the situation or outcome, the successful diva will find a way to put an optimistic spin on it. She only knows failure as an opportunity to grow, and will use it to learn a new lesson. People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times.

3.Avoid Over-Thinking and Social Comparison. Comparing yourself to someone else can be poisonous. If we're somehow “better” than the person we're comparing ourselves to, it gives us an unhealthy sense of superiority. Our ego inflates—KABOOM—and our inner Kanye West could unleash! If we consider ourselves to be “worse” than the person we're comparing ourselves to, we usually discredit the hard work we've done and dismiss all the progress we've made. This type of social comparison doesn't stem from a healthy place. If you feel called to compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to an older version of yourself.

4.Practice Acts-of-Kindness. Many experts believe a random act-of-kindness releases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is your body's natural picker-upper. Found in the central nervous system, it not only contributes to feelings of well-being, but also affects happiness, mood, appetite and sleep. Not only will a selfless act make you feel good inside, this kindness kick is contagious. Researchers have found that bystanders release their own levels of serotonin simply by watching a do-gooder.

5.Nurture Social Relationships. The happiest people on the planet, according to Lyubomirsky's research, are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships. Other studies have shown the mortality rate double in those who are lonely. Having an active circle of good friends, or a significant other to share your life and experiences with creates a feeling of connectivity and meaning greater than ourselves.

6.Develop Coping Strategies. Responding in a negative way in stressful situations can take a toll on your body, health and psyche. Happy people tend to have healthy coping strategies. If you don't have a coping strategy, Lyubomirsky suggests practicing a pre-rehearsed response—something in your arsenal to reach at your disposal. This could be meditating, counting to 10 or walking away and returning with a lower heart rate. Finding the coping strategy that works best for you could take time to master, so practice and patients is essential.   

7.Learn to Forgive. According to research, a person's brain does not distinguish between past and present emotion. Therefore, harboring ill feelings towards someone, replaying in argument in your mind or dwelling on the negative can have lasting effects on your immune system and general health. Learning to let-go and forgive is what most happy people do instinctively, or have learned to practice in their everyday lives.

8.Increase Flow Experiences. Flow is a psychological term describing the mental state of a person fully immersed in an activity, where that person exhibits energized focus or completely focused motivation. This positive psychology concept has been widely referenced and represents perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions of performing and learning. In “flow,” emotions are not just contained and channeled. They are positive, energized and aligned with the task. In this state, a person can not feel agitated, anxious or depressed. The hallmark of “flow” is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture. Many people understand “flow” as being “in the zone.” 

9.Savor Simple Joys. Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy—the simple pleasures. It's easy in a world of wild stimuli and omnipresent movement to forget to embrace life's enjoyable experiences. When we neglect to appreciate, we rob the moment of its magic. It's the simple things in life that can be the most rewarding, if we remember to fully experience them.

10.Commit to Your Goals. On a subconscious level, “finding your purpose” can actually make you a happier person. Most people “find their purpose” once fully committed to a goal. Empowered with a purpose, people become excited, driven, focused and happy. Think about the positive goal you have that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.

11.Practice Spirituality. Studies show that when we practice spirituality or religion, we recognize how small we are compared to the Universe and life around us. It enables us to embrace a connectedness with everything that exists. It also helps put our problems into perspective. Happy people tend to practice spirituality, in some way, which can provide for a well-balanced life. 

12.Take Care of Your Body. Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be. If you don't have your physical energy in good shape, then your mental energy (your focus), your emotional energy (your feelings), and your spiritual energy (your purpose) will all be negatively impacted. One study conducted on those diagnosed with clinical depression showed that consistent exercise increased their levels of happiness. Six months later, those people exhibited a higher sense of self-accomplishment and self-worth.

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Source: The Wendling Group. The Wendling Group provides management consulting, training and professional development to human capital driven organizations. The Wendling Group is a consulting resource to executives who require accurate and effective assessments of current employees, while assisting in the candidate selection process and providing customized 360 surveys to increase productivity, profitability and measurable results. Contact The Wendling Group at 916.965.4933, www.wendling.com or e-mail wendling@wendling.com.

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