We could all use a little boost now and again!
Happiness has no limitations. If you’re not happy, you do whatever you can to change that, and if you’re already happy, you wouldn’t say no to more!
So what can you do to fill your life with even more joy?
In an article in Psychology Today, Raj Raghunathan, author of “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?,” says that as human beings have three basic necessities that must be met in order to be happy: food, clothing, and shelter.
Once our basic needs are met, we can focus on finding happiness, for which Raghunathan believes that there are three additional requirements: social connection or a sense of belonging, feeling that you’re good at whatever you’ve chosen to master in life, and autonomy / freedom (the feeling of having control over our own lot in life).
The key is how you approach these happiness requirements.
For example, you can approach belonging-ness in two ways: the need to be loved or to love. You can master your craft either by seeking superiority or by following your passion, and you can achieve autonomy either by fighting for external power and control or by internal control.
“Although the need to be loved, the need for superiority, and the need for external control can enhance happiness levels in the short run, they are likely to lower it in the long run,” Raghunathan says. “By contrast, the need to love, pursue a passion, and the need for internal control have much better potential to enhance not just short-term happiness, but long-term happiness. Further, they also have the potential to enhance the happiness of others around us.”
So what are the keys to becoming happier that fit along with Raghunathan’s theories?
1. Focus on your accomplishments and avoid comparing yourself to others.
In a piece on Forbes, writer Lisa Quest says, “There is an endless supply of people to whom you could compare yourself and your accomplishments, but, inevitably, you’ll always end up on the losing side because there will always be someone who has done something that you wished you could also accomplish. And it will only take you down a never-ending spiral.” Stop comparing yourself to others and be proud of what you have accomplished!
Research has shown that major accomplishments, like getting into an Ivy League school or getting a promotion, contribute to about 40 percent of happiness during that time, but that it wears off in a few months. Divert your energy to what you enjoy doing rather than inwardly competing with others you think are doing better than yourself.
2. Smile more
A study published in the Association for Psychological Science journal found that if you smile or stand up straight, it can have a very positive effect on your mood, stress levels, and outlook. Deciding to be happy over being sad can help you feel happier. Plus, it’s easy to do!
3. Put more importance on experiences, not money
Rather than money, the things that give us the most lasting happiness are experiences such as traveling, outdoor activities, new skills, and visiting museums, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology. Experiences have a unique ability to create lasting memories, forge meaningful connections, and bring a sense of fulfillment that transcends monetary value.
4. Give up Facebook- or at least cut way back on it
A study conducted by the Happiness Research Institute found that participants who gave up Facebook were happier and felt more enthusiastic, more decisive, wasted less time, and felt as if they enjoyed life more.
By disconnecting from social media, individuals often find themselves less exposed to the constant comparison with others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or envy. This reduction in social comparison can result in a more positive self-perception and improved mental well-being.
Giving up Facebook can reduce the constant bombardment of information, opinions, and news, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Limiting exposure to the curated versions of people’s lives on social media can lead to a more present and content mindset.
5. Remember the good times
A study from the University of Liverpool found that one way to build inner strength without seeking external validation is to foster positive thoughts and feelings and that one way to improve your positive thinking is to remember happy joyous times.
Happiness is something that one can never have too much of and something that we all deserve, after all.
Source: Your Tango