Tips for happiness
To the editor:
Happiness is a feeling of great joy, which is more than a momentary pleasure. It creates new pathways in the brain to make it easier to feel joy. It leads to mental and physical wellbeing, as well as more satisfaction in your life.
Several factors influence the level of happiness, such as genes, how you were raised, experiences in your life, et cetera. The following are some tips for happiness:
– Compassion: Promote welfare of unknown others without expecting any rewards. such as helping an elderly person using a cane in a grocery store to find some items.
– Gratitude: A positive emotion that somethings good happened in your life and you feel grateful for it. Write them in your personal notebook and read them when you are feeling sad to stay focused on the positive.
– Purpose: A purposeful life fuels hope, optimism and a meaningful life. It is very important to have a purposeful life after retiring from your work.
– Forgiveness: Get rid of your grudges. It frees you from negative thoughts and creates inner peace.
– Volunteer, such as at a food pantry for the homeless or poor people.
– Smile and say hello when see friends, coworkers and acquittances.
– Seek positive people, who are upbeat, confident and healthy. It rubs off on you.
– Music: Listening to upbeat music has a powerful effects on emotions.
– Meditation: Mindfulness meditation creates inner peace and containment.
– Socialize more with family and others by requesting them to go with you to a restaurant, movie or other events, such as a football, baseball et cetera.
Yes, you do have control over your level of happiness by following the above tips.
Dr. Shakil Mohammed
Sanibel