5 Things That Will Make You Happier

 

Are you happy? Are you really, genuinely happy? With families in turmoil and the economy a mess, the pursuit of happiness is sometimes easier said than done. Some scientists argue that happiness is largely determined by genetics, health and other factors mostly outside of our control. But recent research suggests people actually can take charge of their own happiness and boost it by doing certain things. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, reviewed 51 studies that tested attempts to increase happiness through different types of positive thinking, and found that these practices can significantly enhance well-being and well-feeling. Here are five very simple things you can do to improve happiness.

 

1. Be Grateful: – Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that people reported a lasting increase in happiness – over weeks and even months – after implementing the habit. What’s even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary! Even when people wrote letters but never sent them, they still reported feeling happier afterwards!

 

2. Be Optimistic: - Another practice that helps is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future – for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling – and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.

 

3. Count Your Blessings: - People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week showed a significant boost in happiness. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.

 

4. Use Your Strengths: - Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. Doing that helps you as much as the other person.

 

5. Commit Acts Of Kindness: - It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. As we’ve seen from the five ways to be happier, there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving. Those behind this list also have an iPhone app called Live Happy that you can download on iTunes to boost your well-being.