What are the tricks to being happier? If you feel there’s room for improvement, consider trying these five suggestions.
Spend money on your dreams
While putting money away for the future is sensible, happiness in life often exists in the present. Remember toput money aside to use for enjoyment – especially to fulfil your short-term dreams. Instead of just squirrelling money away for practical reasons, put it towards buying that potter’s wheel you’ve always wanted or finally go on that holiday to Fiji. Spend your money on the things that will to bring you joy and make you feel wealthy and alive right now, instead of down the track.
Do go to bed grumpy
Remember the adage, never let the sun go down on an argument? You might want to rethink that advice. How many times have you tried to communicate a small annoyance with a loved only to have it turn into a full-blown argument? Sometimes it can be better to avoid expressing anger and allow it to dissipate by itself overnight. Of course, everyone has to decide which issues to let slide and which need attention. For example, if your spouse is the type to repeatedly put the empty milk carton back in the fridge,then it would be better to talk it over.
Don’t always look for the best
How do you come to your decisions? Researchers have identified two types of decision-makers. Satisficers are those who would rather be fast than thorough when making decisions, preferring to select the option that fills the criteria most quickly. On the other hand, Maximisers are looking for the very best option and are prepared to continue looking until they find it, whether it’s a winter jacket or the cheapest airfare. Studies have shown that Satisficers tend to be happier than maximisers, because maximisers spend more energy feeling anxious about decisions rather than enjoying what comes after. If you’re a maximiser, it pays to remember that sometimes good enough is all you need.
Exercise regularly
Yes, this one is a cliché suggestion for boosting happiness, but that’s because it’s true. The benefits of regular exercise have significant impact on our overall health, not least improving health and energy levels – both of which lead to a happier life. People who exercise have improved mental wellbeing and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Other benefits include improved sleep, better resilience towards stress, increased self-esteem and improved mood.
Be with happy people
Did you know that: you are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time? Apparently so.
Have you ever noticed that you tend to take on the moods and behaviours of the people around you? When you’re in the company of negative people, your mood suffers, but when you’re with upbeat people, you start to think more optimistically. It’s important to keep a range of different people in your life to provide you with varying points of view, but do remember to balance the negative people with positive ones who’ll lift you up and motivate you.
What are your suggestions for becoming happier?
