happiness quotient: -
Focus on what gives you meaning and purpose. In other words, spend time doing what makes you feel good, like gardening, socializing, volunteering, painting, etc. People who are involved with life, tend to be happier, because the fulfillment they feel is based on enjoyment rather than responsibility.
- Develop the relationships that are important to you. Be with close friends and relatives. Appreciating your time together helps you relieve stress and gives you something to look forward to when you make future plans. When you are around others, you become more generous, supportive, friendly and caring, which results in greater life satisfaction.
- Show gratitude for your blessings. Take a personal inventory of what you have in your life to appreciate all the many gifts and special rewards surrounding you. Gratitude elicits positive emotions, like joy and hope and instills a sense of genuine thankfulness.
- Surround yourself with items that give you pleasure. Decorate your home with things you love to look at. Treat yourself to things you love to wear. Read books that teach and inspire you to boost feelings of well-being and contentment.
- Take life less seriously. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your situation. Laugh at life’s absurdities. Complaining, whining, and moping just bring more focus on what you don’t want. Therefore, develop your sense of humor by enjoying the lighter side of life and you will inevitably attract more happiness into it.
Happiness is a journey and the benefits are priceless. When you’re happy you increase your health and personal well-being. You’re better able to cope with stressful or challenging situations and your level of overall satisfaction in life is raised. Joyful people have a greater life expectancy, a greater inner peace and create more successful long-term relationships. Don’t wait to be happy. Be happy now!
Amy Sherman, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. She is the author of “Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer’s Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life.” Visit www.bummedoutboomer.com and receive 75 Stress-Reducing Activities when you sign up for the free eNewsletter. Amy can be reached at amy@bummedoutboomer.com or 561-281-2975.
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