8 steps to boost happiness

Word Alive, MB Fr. Bel San Luis, S V D
8 steps to boost happiness      IN her article published in the February 28, 2005 issue of Time magazine, University of California psychologist Sonja Lybomirsky cites the following practical suggestions on how to lift your level of happiness: * * * 1. Count your blessings. One way to do this is with a "gratitude journal" in which you write down three to five things for which you are thankfulfrom the mundane (your peonies are in bloom) to the magnificent (a child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by varying your entries as much as possible. * * * 2. Practice acts of kindness. These should be both random (let that harried mom go ahead of you in the check-out line) and systematic (bring Sunday supper to an elderly neighbor, visiting a sick friend). Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects – it makes you feel generous and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and wins you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness – all happiness boosters. * * * 3. Savor life’s joys. Pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe strawberry or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking "mental photographs" of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times. 4. Thank a mentor. If there’s someone whom you owe a debt of gratitude for guiding you at one of life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation-in detail and, if possible, in person, To turbo charge your joy, Seligman says, is to make a "gratitude visit." That means writing a testimonial thanking a teacher, pastor or grandparent – anyone to whom you owe a debt of gratitude – and then visiting that person to read him or her the letter of appreciation. * * * 5. Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and resentment by writing a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. Inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving bolsters positive feelings about your past and gives you peace of mind. 6. Invest time and energy in friends and family. Where you live, how much money you make, your job title and even your health have surprisingly small effects on your satisfaction with life. The biggest factor appears to be strong personal relationships. * * * 7. Take care of your body. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, smiling and laughing can all enhance your mood in the short term. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying. 8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardships. There is no avoiding hard times. Religious faith has been shown to help people cope and genuinely lifts the spirit, but so do the secular beliefs enshrined in axioms like "This too shall pass" and "That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger." The trick is that you have to believe them. * * * After working in the field for 25 years, Veenhoven has concluded that happiness is "how much you like the life you are living. People can live in paradise and still be unhappy because they screw up everything in their lives." * * * THE LIGHTER SIDE. A shapely young lady was leaving a charismatic meeting one evening when she slipped and fell, landing in a most embarrassing position with her skirt around her waist. To save her confusion, the priest shouted out, "Anyone who does not avert his eyes will be struck blind!" One old fellow turned to his friend and muttered, "I think I’ll risk one eye!"

 

 

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