How to be Happy

How to be Happy
How to be Happy











It’s the million dollar question, right? Those who know me often express admiration of my constant elated mood. Here’s how I pull it off!

Forgive

Grudges are nasty little things; left festering, they will eat you alive. Work yourself through what’s bothering you and learn to forgive. You’ll like yourself much better. In line with this: let things go. At first you may have to force yourself not to care about little things which are easier to let go, but then it will come naturally. Ok, so somebody at the supermarket shot you an unpleasant look – let it go; smile at them without a semblance of irritation – it will annoy the pants off of them.

Look at the worst-case-scenario in any situation

When faced with a perceived problem; ask yourself--what is the worst that could happen? More often than not, the worst really isn’t the end of the world. Learn to see it that way.

Be nice

Being a big old grump, by treating others discourteously, never made anyone happy. In fact; the poisonous fumes of grumpiness diffuse efficiently around the room you’re in – causing the bad mood to be reflected back on you. That makes you grumpier. It’s a vicious cycle.

Smile

It’s amazing what a smiley face can do! Try it! Here are some of the benefits:

• It makes you a billion times more good-looking

• It makes you look five to ten years younger

• It makes you feel happy

• It makes other people smile

• It makes people warm to you

• It makes people stop and give you way at a junction

• It certainly makes people wonder what you're smiling about

• 4 out of 5 times, by smiling warmly, you made someone’s day

• It turns Copper to Gold.

Ok, the last one’s not true; it doesn’t, but it could! Which brings me to the next point…

Be optimistic

Optimism is positively correlated with happiness. Optimistic people are happy people. The good news is; you can train yourself to become optimistic!

Do something nice for someone for no reason

Maybe what they say is true—there’s no such thing as an unselfish act—because this will have you beaming through and through.

Walk like you’re going somewhere

I can’t explain why this works, but it will! Take big, confident, quick-paced strides. Let me know how it went…

Talk like you’re not going anywhere

Communication is the key to happiness. It ensures you don’t misunderstand your loved ones and colleagues and therefore terminates any chances of grudges forming. Nips them in the bud shall we say.

Exercise

I won’t elaborate. You know. Endorphins et al.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Don’t allow yourself to covet what others have. If you want to make comparisons; look at those who are less fortunate.

Meditate/pray/reflect

Do whatever your spiritual mind demands of you. Question your existence; the meaning of life; just take time out to reflect or meditate. If you are a person of faith, as am I, you will find that utter contentment is found when you are spiritually tuned in.

Do things you love

I am happy when on horseback—in fact I am happiest! Do things that thrill you. This includes work; don’t punish yourself by taking on jobs that you hate doing. And hey, if you can get paid for doing what you love, you’ve hit the jackpot. I have!

Don’t let your happiness depend on others

This last one is very important. There are two types of happiness. 1. Happiness that is brought about because of other people’s attention towards, or praise, for you and 2. Happiness felt independent of outside influences. Number 1 is misery in a box waiting to be opened.

Be happy!

By Zanib Mian, author of My Dad's Beard, Never Too Small and other children's books
HappyHow to be happy