Take Happiness into Your Hands!

I’ve posted about the pursuit of happiness before, and today I’ll break down research discussed in the Huffington Post article "The 9 Happiness Mistakes You're Probably Making"

Let’s look at some easy, hands-on ways you can increase your bliss…starting now!

1) Stop pressuring yourself to be happy!

Research shows that putting pressure on yourself to be happy can actually make you feel more lonely.  Rather than thinking about happiness as a static state that you feel you have to achieve, reframe your concept of happiness as an ongoing state of mind that you can achieve through positive experiences and gratitude.  For example, be mindful of a laugh with a friend, the fall foliage, or a hug from a loved one.  But don’t forget, feeling happy is similar to other feelings—it will eb and flow each day, month, and year. 

2) Stop over-sharing on social media sites!

Universityof Kansas researchers found that “people in romantic relationships don’t like their partner to broadcast their innermost feelings and personal experiences to the online social network.”  Researchers hypothesized that sharing personal information can lead to lower intimacy—this means your partner may not feel as close to you if you share your intimate feelings with him/her, as well as your 1,257 facebook friends!  It’s nice to keep others in the loop, but tweeting your relationship issues or your deepest emotions on a public format can lead to more problems than benefits. Although there are many social media benefits, it’s important not to rely on these sites for your sense of self-worth.  Sure, it feels good to get a “like” on a comment, or sharing a picture of you and your partner, but your happiness should not depend on the feedback you receive.  If sharing a picture or comment helps you be mindful, appreciative and increases your gratitude, then go ahead and share, but if it’s taking a toll on your relationship or lowering your self-esteem, it’s time to do some social editing.

3)  Put your computer & iPhone down and start living!

Social media sites help you feel socially connected, but being in the “here and now” is essential to your happiness! Yes, I’m guilty too—I enjoy taking pictures of social events, or just a beautiful walk by the river, but I’ve found a balance that feels comfortable for me—this may mean I capture the moment quickly, then step in front of the lens so that I can simply enjoy the moment, or chose to leave my camera in my purse. Go to dinner with a friend and keep your phone off of the table, stop obsessively refreshing your facebook page, and when you get home from your busy day at work, put your phone in the other room and set a healthy boundary that you will not take any work calls after 6pm. Give yourself permission to unplug!

4) Exercise!

Just walking can lead to decreased stress and depression and increased happiness.  Not only does exercise release chemicals that make you feel happier, but it can lead to reduced stress, increased self-esteem and productivity, and boost your brain power.

5) Meditate and be mindful!

Check out 8 benefits of meditation.  Being mindful means being in the present, being grateful for both small and large accomplishments, noticing what goes right (everyone is guilty on focusing on their faults), and appreciating the simple pleasures. 

Need a quick way to be more mindful, and thus happier, in this moment? Go unplug from this blog and spend 5 minutes outside—engage all of your senses and notice the temperature, sounds, sights, and smells of your surroundings!