HOW to be Happy – or Happier !
The perpetual grail – and seems CNN also has something to say about it . Find the article at :
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/19/health/finding-happiness/
And here is the two minute summary 😉
Americans will spend about $550 million on self-help books this year and more than $1 billion on motivational speakers. Obviously, many of us are on a quest for happiness. !
Science shows people who are happy live longer and healthier lives. The good news is that generating better bliss is something we can all do regardless of our environment or genetics.
Here are seven ways to boost your life satisfaction:
Change Your Attitude
A Harvard University study found that optimists are not only happier but are 50% less likely to have heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke. It turns out that keeping a positive outlook actually offers protection against cardiovascular disease.
Learn from people who are already happy.
Denmark is one of the happiest nations per studies on since 1973. Why :
- – Generosity
- – Freedom to make choices
- – Strong Social Support System
( So, in India at least one out of three is in YOUR Control, I suppose !! )
Work less !
Average Danish workweek : 33 hours !! and only 2 % of Danes work more than 40 hours a week !
Danish mothers have a happy work-life balance : Girlfriends Happy Hours, Community Club programs…
Focus on experiences as against gadgets !
Build Happy Memories not assets. One more House will really not count , while the time you spent on that Cruise will !
Researchers say when people focus on experiences, they feel a greater sense of vitality or “being alive” during the experience and afterward. It also brings you mentally closer to the people around you, which may contribute to your happiness boost.
Be Social !
By simply being social, you could slow down your biological age. Know about Telomeres for this – the tiny caps on our DNA chromosomes that indicate our cellular age. According to experts, no friends can equal shorter telomeres and, in turn, a shorter life.
Other studies have showed that loneliness leads to higher rates of depression, health problems and stress. Solution: Have at least one close friend to boost your happiness level and health.
Volunteer !
The United Nations even credits volunteerism as one of the reasons Denmark is the happiest nation in the world — 43% of Danes regularly give back to their community, compared with 25% of Americans. ( how much about Indians – any Study there, I wonder !! )
Experts say we are all inherently compassionate. Performing acts of kindness, volunteering time and donating money increases happiness by improving your sense of community, purpose and self-image.
Just LAUGH !
Laughing doesn’t just signal happiness, it produces it. When we laugh, our stress hormones decrease and our endorphins rise. Endorphins are the same brain chemicals associated with the “runner’s high” you get from exercise.
Studies show our bodies can’t differentiate between fake and real laughter; you’ll get the health boost either way. So you can even fake it until you make it. Laugh in your car, in the shower — force yourself to start laughing a few minutes every day.
AND , here is a Video on Barry Kerzin the monk Doctor on the same subject :
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So what works for YOU ? Share in !