How Real Happiness Actually Happens
By Sandy Schroeder
When we think of happiness, giddy faces of lottery winners may pop up. We all say, “When (blank) happens, I will be happy.” Yes, for awhile we are happy when a current objective happens, but that can be fleeting.
Coincidentally, Einstein’s short note on happiness just sold for over a million dollars at auction. He said, “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” In spite of the auction price, I think he would have still chosen, “a calm and modest life.”
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, an agency that services 75 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, follows suit, suggesting happiness comes from thoughtful day-to-day choices that we can use to create happiness around us.
Pause for little things – Truly contented people take time to reflect on the morning before the day begins, savor suppers with friends, or walk outside after dinner with their kids and the dog.
Make room for fitness – Brisk walks or biking tones the body and lifts the mood. Happy people know how it works, and they make time for exercise every day.
Understand giving – If you volunteer at your local hospital or animal shelter, you know how great giving feels. Giving really is more satisfying than getting.
Connect with real people – Contented people shed toxic folk, and connect with real ones. Positive people who reach out to connect and remain trustworthy are rare, but always worth keeping. They are easy to spot. They never get hung up on petty stuff, or leave you hanging, and they can be counted on to be there when you need them.
Rest well – Sleep restores good moods, calmness and concentration, as the brain recharges, shedding toxic proteins. When you sleep well you wake up smiling instead of grumbling. In contrast, sleeplessness generates stress and undermines the day before it even begins.
Share the best – Contented people skip the gossip and mean-spirited news as they share thoughtful conversations about things that count. They are always drawn to new, interesting developments and dynamic people.
Never too busy to help – Happy people are always glad to lend a hand. The busier they are the more likely they will pause to help someone in trouble. Often they can remember when they needed a hand, and got one. Never lose that ability to relate.
If these habits work for you, savor the day, and pass along the advice.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seal Beach, Calif.