Discover Happiness: 10 Science-Backed Strategies

Almost everyone has heard the hit single “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy to everyone. Bobby McFerrin’s simple message surely made a lot of people feel better by telling them not to worry.

Living a happy, resilient, and optimistic life is wonderful and is also good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

One of the better things ever said is: “The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change,” and in our lives, we have the power to make the necessary changes if we want to. Even if we find ourselves in an unbearable situation, we can always find solace in the knowledge that it too will change.

Social networks or relationships are essential to happiness. People are different; accept people for who they are, avoid clashes and constant arguments, and let go of all kinds of resentments. If arguments seem unavoidable, still try to make an effort to understand the situation, and you might just get along well with others.

Happiness is actually found in everyone; increasing it is a way to make life more wonderful and also healthier.

To be happy is relatively easy; just decide to be a happy person. Abraham Lincoln observed that most people for most of the time can choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or dull their outlook is. The choice is simple really: choose to be happy.

Several Ways to Choose Happiness

1. Be Grateful:

Gratitude is a great attitude. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for a wonderful dinner, and thank the guy who cleans your windows. Also, thank the mailman for bringing your mail, thank the policeman for making your place safe, and thank God for being alive.

2. Reduce News Consumption:

News is stressful. Get less of it. Some people just can’t start their day without their daily dose of news. Try to think about it: 99% of the news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does not seem to be a sensible thing to do.

3. Cultivate Religious Connections:

A religious connection is also recommended. Being part of a religious group with its singing, sacraments, chanting, prayers, and meditations fosters inner peace.

4. Manage Your Time:

Time is invaluable and too important to waste. Time management involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating to-do lists, and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop efficient personal time management skills. These basic skills can be fine-tuned to include the finer points of each skill that can give you that extra reserve to achieve the results you desire.

5. Laugh Every Day:

Laugh and laugh heartily every day. Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it. As they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

6. Express Your Feelings:

Express your feelings, affections, friendship, and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to keep pent-up anger or frustrations; this is bad for your health. Instead, find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

7. Work Hard:

Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a feeling of being competent in finishing tasks. Accomplishments are necessary for all of us; they give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel are worthy of your time.

8. Learn Something New:

Learning is a joyful exercise. Try to learn something new every day. Learning expands and broadens our horizons and could also give us more opportunities in the future.

9. Stay Active:

Run, jog, walk, and do other activities that your body was made for. Feel alive.

10. Avoid Negative Elements:

Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud noises, toxins, and hazardous places.

These are a few simple things you can do every day to be happy.

And always remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln: “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”