Google is such an amazing resource! Of course you know this because you are most probably one of its monthly 1 billion users. However we all use it for a wide variety of reasons. I did a search on “how to be happy” last night (this is what insomnia does) and found this piece by Joy Gosney. Allow me to share some of the points she raised.
1. Don’t start with profundities
I couldn’t agree more. Starting with the heavy “what is this life” or ‘”who am I” note can quickly slide me into the depro pool. Focusing on the practical things eases me into light-mode because with practical things you get a sense of fulfilment when a task is completed.
2. Do let the sun down on anger
Anger is an emotion and sometimes our judgement can be clouded by it and we end up saying or doing things that we wouldn’t otherwise have done. So actually sleeping on something that has angered me allows me to think it out and react in an appropriate manner.
3. Fake it till you make it
I usually do this when I feel a little jealousy/envy. Instead of being negative when someone has achieved something, I pretend to be happy until the feeling is genuine. There are enough blessings for all of us after all.
4. Realise that anything worth doing is worth doing badly
I would rather stumble and fall than to not try at all.
5. Don’t treat the blues with a treat
In my teens (I am still a teen till July the 20th) I would drink pain killers to supposedly rid me of any pain or negative feeling. It became a treat which just caused further damage in the long run. It is like eating a piece of cake each time you’re down. You’ll only feel good for that moment then you’ll feel guilty ‘cause it messed up with your diet.
6. Buy some happiness
Who said money cant buy you happiness? Or was it love? Anyway, a little retail therapy really does go a long way and it doesn’t need to be an expensive purchase. I bought myself a Spongebob Squearepants t-shirt the other day which made me extremely happy. It still does.
7. Don’t insist on the best
Over the holidays my friend Christo and I went to the Richtersveld Lights Festival and after we had decided to book really good quality accommodation we decided to cancel and stay with friends and it was heaven. Sometimes 5 star hotels can’t provide the love and happiness of genuine company in a homely environment.
8. Exercise to boost energy
I am not big on exercise but I do know that physical activity releases endorphins which is the hormone that is responsible for happiness. I get this effect by putting on some really good dance music and I get down. Tons of fun and exercise all at once.
9. Stop nagging
This just goes without saying. Nagging is such a drag because it forces you to go on and on and on about something that is simply not worth going on about. It is a waste of emotions.
10. Take action
Relying on someone to make you happy is not the way to go. Ask yourself “What can I do today to make myself happy?” and be proactive in making it happen.
What are some of the things you do to make you happy?
I am @richmondsajini on twitter!
