How to Be Happy in 2012
Happiness is more of an attitude. And the happier you are, the likelier you are to be successful in all spheres of life.
12 tips for a happier life
Happy people tend to pay attention to the things they can control and not worry about the rest. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness, shares the following tips about how to become happier.
1 Count your blessings. Be aware of all the good things in your life and express gratitude for what you have.
2 Cultivate optimism. Make an effort to see the upside of a situation and surround yourself with positive people.
3 Avoid social comparison. This is a tough one in our aspirational culture, but Lyubomirsky says it’s well worth cutting down on how often you dwell on your problems and compare yourself to others.
4 Practice acts of kindness toward friends and strangers.
5 Nurture your relationships. Don’t take your friends and family for granted.
6 Do more activities that really engage you. This increases what psychologists call the “flow” state where you’re totally absorbed in what you’re doing.
7 Savor life’s joys. Go over them either by writing them down or thinking and talking about them.
8 Commit to your goals. Pick at least one significant goal and devote time and effort to pursuing it.
9 Develop coping strategies. Practice ways to get through or get over stress or trauma.
10 Learn to forgive. Letting go of old hurts and resentments frees your mind and heart.
11 Practice religion or spirituality. Research shows people who do so are happier.
12 Take care of your body. Exercise, meditation and laughing all count.
12 tips for a happier life
Happy people tend to pay attention to the things they can control and not worry about the rest. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness, shares the following tips about how to become happier.
1 Count your blessings. Be aware of all the good things in your life and express gratitude for what you have.
2 Cultivate optimism. Make an effort to see the upside of a situation and surround yourself with positive people.
3 Avoid social comparison. This is a tough one in our aspirational culture, but Lyubomirsky says it’s well worth cutting down on how often you dwell on your problems and compare yourself to others.
4 Practice acts of kindness toward friends and strangers.
5 Nurture your relationships. Don’t take your friends and family for granted.
6 Do more activities that really engage you. This increases what psychologists call the “flow” state where you’re totally absorbed in what you’re doing.
7 Savor life’s joys. Go over them either by writing them down or thinking and talking about them.
8 Commit to your goals. Pick at least one significant goal and devote time and effort to pursuing it.
9 Develop coping strategies. Practice ways to get through or get over stress or trauma.
10 Learn to forgive. Letting go of old hurts and resentments frees your mind and heart.
11 Practice religion or spirituality. Research shows people who do so are happier.
12 Take care of your body. Exercise, meditation and laughing all count.
Stop, Take A Breath, & Relax: Stress Control
As women, we often hold a lot on our shoulders. We are mothers, sisters, teachers, business women, and the list goes on. Even though we are always on the move learning how to manage stess is very important to our mental and physical being. Here are a few tips to help with stress control....
· Keep a positive attitude. (Women often worry! It's apart of our nature. But learning to accept that there are events that you cannot control can help reduce stress)
· Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
· Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.
· Exercise regularly. (Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.)
· Learn to manage your time more effectively.
· Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
· Make time for hobbies and interests and seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you love, and always make time for fun.
· Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
· Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
· Keep a positive attitude. (Women often worry! It's apart of our nature. But learning to accept that there are events that you cannot control can help reduce stress)
· Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
· Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.
· Exercise regularly. (Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.)
· Learn to manage your time more effectively.
· Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
· Make time for hobbies and interests and seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you love, and always make time for fun.
· Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
· Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.