How to feel happier in 11 steps

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Openheim

Feeling happy improves when emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health is focused on avenues contributing to improving theses four aspects on a daily basis.  There is no single structure right for everyone, but the suggestions below are worth consideration as a way to add greater happiness to each day.

1.  Believe in yourself:  Really look at your life.  How do you measure your self-worth? Are there moments of self-doubt sabotaging your ability to feel happy? When accepting certain negative beliefs, change your thinking.  Learn to be comfortable with yourself and this in turn will help to become more authentic and open with others.
2. Hang out with happy people:  When surrounded by happier people, happiness spreads. Friendships should be enjoyable, not hard work.  If you spend time with people who create stress or unpleasant feelings, choose instead to spend time with others who have a positive attitude.
3. Make time to play:  Living life by lists, schedules and deadlines is not beneficial to spiritual, physical, mental or emotional health.  Take time to play; responsibilities will wait.  Plan a fun event or act spontaneously, giving yourself permission to play for a while.
4. Squash negativity:  Use your mind to think positive thoughts.  When a negative thought appears, recognize such thinking and replace it with a positive counter-thought.  Negative thoughts have a way of controlling the moment, however turning the negative into a positive thought or approach will increase happiness.  Consider writing a positive daily affirmation and remind yourself of this affirmation throughout the day.
5. Connect with others: There is time to connect with people you care about.  With so many electronic communication options, there’s time for an e-mail, phone call, or video chat.  The point is to make time to connect with people important in life.  When time permits, visit in person; include a hug, which will not only enhance your happiness but will help spread it.
6. Keep a gratitude journal:  Writing about what you are grateful for at the end of the day is an excellent means to increase personal happiness.  The day ends positively, with optimistic feelings.
7. Lend a helping hand:  One secret to happiness is sharing with others, sharing of time or talents.  Volunteer opportunities heighten happiness because you are sharing yourself.  It’s a channel to feel gratitude for the life you are living.
8. Enjoy the great outdoors:  Nature was created by Spirit, the Creator of you.  The sun, wind, trees, scents experienced when outside are invigorating and heighten happiness when enjoying time in the great outdoors.  Whether it’s a walk, jogging, cycling, outside activities create happiness.
9. Turn on some tunes:  Stress decreases, and by no coincidence, happiness increases with music. Music makes people feel good. 
10. Meditate or pray:  Meditation or prayer quiets the mind, calms the heart and allows the body essence to fill with happiness by way of peaceful and joyful feelings.  Taking time to slow down and spend some quiet time away from distractions or work is a gift because it creates the return to matters more manageable, less stressful and approached with a happier perspective.
11. Be realistic:  It’s not possible to be happy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Accepting this reality allows the ability to feel deeper gratitude when reflecting on happier moments.  Remembering what makes you happy can help navigate trying situations and may influence choices or decisions to create a happier, more positive environment and sense of being.

Source:  Real Age

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