How to Grow Your Happiness
By Sandy Schroeder
Growing happiness may sound like a strange concept, but you may find there are seeds of happiness all around you that do just that when you put them to work. Happiness can be elusive, but when you cultivate it, the benefits may show up on your job, at home, and within your own feelings of satisfaction.
Some days it can be hard to be cheerful. When it just keeps raining, traffic is heavy, and you still have more work to do, you may have to dig deep to produce a smile.
Here are some ways to make it easier from DumbLittleMan.com.
Let yourself laugh -Think back to the last time you really laughed. You may have been hanging out with a really funny friend, watching old movies with your family, or reading something that was unexpectedly funny. Whatever the triggers, keep them in mind whenever you need them.
Reach out to everyone around you - Researchers say people who make the effort to interact with everyone around them enjoy a better balance with the world. My grandfather knew how this worked. They always said, he never met a stranger. Wherever he was he found it easy to talk to the people around him. He was genuinely interested in others, and just seemed to know what made them tick.
Save those extra dollars - When we are not happy, it can be all too easy to splurge on impulse items, and regret it later. Researchers have found the people who save those extra dollars enjoy the reassuring feelings of self-control, security and overall well-being. Try tucking your extra dollars away and enjoy the results.
Enjoy the fun of small goals - It is good to have major goals, but it can be satisfying to set small goals and celebrate them on a regular basis, too. You could try this with your family. Use weekly discussions and a bulletin board to note everyone's successes. Of course pizza or ice cream needs to show up, too.
Try something new - Kick boxing, an intense dance session, or a climbing gym may be worth a try. You can always go back to your favorites, but the new stuff may prove to be fun, too.
Turn everything around - Help your family or co-workers appreciate each other by flipping everything around. At home, switch all of the daily tasks around. Kids may need to make breakfast. Dad may do the laundry, and mom may trim the bushes. People often appreciate each other more when we see what others do for them.
If these tips work for you, use them whenever you need them, or look for more ways to keep your balance and keep smiling.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loveland, Colo.