In this Article:
1. Searching for happiness
2. The source of happiness
3. It’s not outside!
4. Eight ways to increase your “happy fluids”
1.) Searching for happiness
In Cape Town where I live, the days are cold and wet and in many places in the country it is freezing cold. It is at times like these when curling up under a blanket becomes a tempting alternative to outdoor activities.
Feeling a bit under the weather this time of the year is not unusual, as we are having less exposure to sunlight and are less active then normal. Sunlight as well as physical activity activates endorphins and serotonin which alters your mood and cheers you up.
In addition, the daily news headlines about the recession and the retrenchment of thousands of people, rising costs; a runaway crime rate, more and more reported cases of the swine flu; and striking doctors all contribute to a sense of mass pessimism.
2.) The source of happiness
The good news is: happiness does not depend on external factors such as the weather or the news, but rather on how we choose to respond to these factors. (This article refers to the ability of healthy people to manage their emotional world. While individuals with mood disorders could benefit by applying these ideas to their lives, therapeutic intervention is necessary to treat the underlying cause of the disorder.)
According to Michael Anthony, writer of “How to be Happy” (“and have fun changing the world”), your brain secretes chemicals according to your positive and negative thoughts, and you can increase your happiness by consciously adjusting the chemicals of your brains “cranial fluids”. This fluid is affected by your thoughts, diet/nutrition, exercise, rest and environment.
3.) It’s not outside!
Too often people say they will be happy once they have achieved or acquired something. A good example is being thin: “Once I have reached my goal weight, I will be happy” or, “Once I get that promotion or can buy that car I have been saving for, I will be happy”.
Advertisers understand this yearning for happiness. That is why they sell you happiness when they promote their slimming products or cars.
Lasting happiness come from living a life that is aligned with who you really are. (For powerful inspiration go to http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/ where you
can listen to and read about
Nick Vujicic a young man of 25 who had to overcome major obstacles in his live,
and inspires others to overcome theirs).
When you make choices that are right for you, your brain secretes positive chemicals and you are likely to experience joy and optimal functioning. On the other hand, choices that lead to feelings of discomfort like guilt or disappointment lower your brain’s chemistry and functioning.
The joy of sight and touch: Alexander discovering starfish.
4.) Eight ways to increase your “happy fluids”
- Take charge of your thinking and talking. Make a conscious choice to be positive.
- Regular, fun activities, wise eating, and sufficient rest all help to keep you healthy and happy.
- Surround yourself with positive company whenever you can. If you can’t avoid negative people in your life, do everything in your power not to be influenced by their negativity. (Moods are as contagious as the flu)
- Find something that you are passionate about and make that activity a priority in your daily life. Live, work, and play passionately.
- Enjoy the world through all your senses. Consciously experience the sense of touch, taste and smell and be selective about what you see and hear. (Instead of switching on the television when you get home from work, choose some soothing music).
- Develop a sense of childlike curiosity. Be open to new experiences and be willing to learn.
- Instead of yearning for reasons to be happy, find reasons to be grateful. Keep a gratitude journal; the more grateful you are, the more reasons you will find to be grateful.
Be a force of nature! “This is the true joy of life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy”. George Bernard Shaw
The author of this article is Lorraine Le Roux, a certified Life Coach who worked in the weight-loss industry for many years, where she realized that a large number of people need a more “integrated” approach to address their weight-challenges. For more information about how the “Focus on Health Program” may assist you in your quest to lose weight, send a message with your contact details via the “Contact Me” page. Click on “permalink” to return to top or on “comments” to leave a message.