The how to happiness is a very controversial and highly debatable. Some folks believe happiness is inborn. Once you are not born a happy child there is no way you could ever be happy. In that case, it is your lot to live with it for the rest of your life. Whereas others will say you can’t teach people how to be happy, they must learn it their own ways and at their own time. Well, to say that, is equivalent to saying you shouldn’t teach a child how to read and write. It is like saying that child would learn to be literate on his own.
What
I am going to be relating here are purely activities that have worked in
bringing happiness and pleasant moments into my life. I have also found out
that it has been working for countless numbers of people across the world too.
Just give it a try and see the effectiveness of these methods. I should have titled
this article shortcut to happiness, because these methods are shortcuts to a
happy and fun-filled life.
In
trying to be happy, there is no hard rule to the game. Just be conscious of
activities that bring you great pleasure and happiness. To further understand
this subject please read my article titled Happiness.
1.
Music; everybody
has a certain beat, rhythm and pace of music that they like. A piece of music
that brings sweet and pleasant memories or emotions. That can be used to zap up
your happy feelings. I particularly like soul, jazz or gospel genres of music.
They calm me down and make me to be in such ecstasy. I know that everybody
loves music; it is just the taste and choice that differs. You should understand
that music is that special sound in nature that soothes our souls.
2.
Dancing; what happens when you are enwrapped with a
beautiful tune? You dance, that would surely be the natural response. Dancing
comes naturally to some people. They love to dance every moment of the day,
they relish the feeling it brings. Dancing is synonymous with happiness. It is
the natural response of humans to a pleasant situation. You can manifest
happiness simply by dancing. Use this great tool to your personal advantage. In
addition to that, dancing is a form of exercise. It releases all the feel-good
brain chemicals to your brain. It helps you to feel high. You might say “I can’t
dance”. Well nobody was born a great dancer, people learnt to dance because
they love to. Besides, you must not be a great dancer before you enjoy its
benefits. Just go rolling, it’s in you.
3.
Meditation; meditation is a form of prayer. It is a way
to communicate our deepest thoughts, concerns, feeling to the Source, Universe
etc. We connect to the super consciousness of the universe through meditation. By
this simple act, our worries and emotional turmoil are expunged from our minds.
Our concerns become very tiny in the place of meditation. After meditation we
simply feel peaceful, refreshed and calm. All these combine to make us feel
happy and blessed.
4.
Exercising; we might have heard of these words “joggers
high” It is the great feeling that people feel after vigorous physical exercise.
This feeling is brought about by the release of some feel-good chemicals in the
brain called, endorphins. These groups of brain chemicals help us to be calm, clear-headed
and happy. In addition to the feel-good chemicals, vigorous physical exercise
helps to boost our brain power. Several researches have proven that. I think a
feel-good mind and an increased brain power all combine to make us feel happy
during and after each exercise session. So pick up a sport you enjoy and reap
the great benefit of physical exercise.
5.
Socializing; Humans are social creatures. We each have a
social instinct in us. It compels us to interact and rub minds with other
fellow human beings. But in the absence of this social interaction or exercising
(socializing is a form of exercise too) we feel bored, lonely and even
frustrated. In other to be truly happy we need a healthy dose of socializing. Isolating
yourself from other people can never bring you happiness. There is no amount of
television, achievements, education, money or fame that can bring you happiness
if you don’t create time to interact with people. By genetics, we were designed
to be social animals. Not doing that is a sign that something is seriously
wrong. No wonder depression is prevalent in the modern world. If you want to be
truly happy, put socializing as part of your daily schedule. It helps.
6.
Healthy diet; the saying ‘you are what you eat’ cannot be
better stated. Poor diet is a recipe to a dysfunctional body. Likewise a good
and healthy diet will give you an excellent health. You can’t just eat anything
anyhow and expect your health and your mood to be straight, impossible. You
must eat the right food consciously before you can reap the positive aspects of
diet. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and nuts are an excellent
group of food that does well to your system. They promote sound health. Go for
them.
7.
Sketch/Draw; Drawing or sketching is a good creative
activity you can engage in. I guess when we were kids we enjoyed this activity tremendously.
Doing it as an adult will help to bring out the child in you. It will bring out
the happy memories of childhood. Besides sketching or drawing is a good means
to dissipate those negative energies of fear and worries. When you do this on a
regular basis, you will see how important this is, in contributing to
happiness.
8.
Have
care-free moments; Have some times of the day or week that you will term, care-free
hours or happy hours. Make this a sacred time in which you want to be happy. Turn
off the television, you phone, you worries or cares. Just be you. You could
engage in activities that get you excited, that drive you a bit wild. But the
most important thing I am emphasizing here is, just live in the moment—in the
now, neglect the worries and care in your heart. Believe that they will be
taken care of. Having moments like this will create that sense of freedom from
negative emotions and energy. It will help foster a feeling of trust in your
heart. Trust to the powers that be to take care of your concerns. Most of us
fail to understand that no matter how we worry about some things they are not
going to change. Letting go of those issues would be a great wisdom on our side.
Trust and you will have peace and happiness.
9.
Read poems; There is no better way to see the beauty of
consciousness than through poetry. It is an emotional and beautiful language
through which the world is painted. And most of these poems were composed by
people who have had experiences that were challenging and yet chose to see the
good side of life. Choose poems that are easier to understand. Poems whose
message you can easily absorb. It will motivate and inspire you. It will help
you to search your soul at a deeper level. Try it and see the benefits.
10.
Compose a
poem; the poems we read are composed by people who
have had great and unusual experiences. You can compose yours too. If there is
a thought that bothers and lingers in your mind. This thought might be negative
or worrying. Composing a poem with it is a better way to turn the negativity
into a positive flow. Seriously composing a poem will make you to search deeper
and to see the positive side of life. It will also make you to be aware of your
thoughts and feelings. This is good for you. Because change begins with
awareness. Do this on a regular basis, who knows, you might produce the most
beautiful anthology of all times.
11.
Take a walk; taking a walk
around our houses or to a far distance is a good way to draw happiness to our
lives. Walking or strolling helps to clear the mind. It refreshes you mentally.
It helps to remove every mental and emotional blockage you might be
experiencing. I used to be restless and worrisome when I stayed indoors for
long. Especially when I have watched television for ages, I discover that I
wouldn’t be able to keep still. But as soon as I discover the benefit of taking
a walk it helped me a lot. Every evening I take an hour’s walk around my
neighborhood. It clears my mind and enables me to think in a better way. In
addition I feel happier after each walk and fall asleep easily. It takes away
the pills.
12.
Go outdoors; the modern world has created a set of society
that tends to live most of their lives indoors. This is not good for you. Get
out there and be one with nature. If you love to be indoors for long, why not commit
so that the feds will put you in prison for the rest of your life—but never
tell them you got that from me. Our ancestors, even without much science and
information knew the health benefits of going outdoors to breathe in fresh air.
You too can imbibe that healthy lifestyle. If you have a natural environment
around you, that’s a double advantage, you could go there spend some time away
from the hustle and bustle of your heavy and busy life. You have to know that
nature refreshes those who make her there companions.
13. Look through
the camera; my experience as
a Zoologist and a Photographer has made me to see how beautiful the world
really is. Most times when I go to the field to explore, I might be in a very
bad mood. But as soon as I come into contact with nature everything changes. I
see things from an entirely different and positive perspective. I come back
feeling refreshed, happy and blessed. Looking through the lens of your camera
is an adventurous way to explore the world around you. It will urge you to go
to places which ordinarily you never thought of ever going. It will bring the
wild part of you. And even if it is social/event photography is what you love, that
is still cool. You get to meet new and interesting people. You have an
opportunity to create new social connection. It is very very healthy for you.
14.
Keep a pet; when your
life is surrounded by love and with love, the resulting effect is happiness. Happiness
comes from love; unconditional love. Keeping a pet is good way to receive
unconditional love. For those who keep pets, you know what I am saying. Pets
don’t love you because of your money, beauty, fame or achievements. They love
you because you are. Because you are worthy to be loved no matter what has
happened to you in life. They see you as the embodiment of the love of God. If
only we see ourselves and others in that light. Life would have been better and
sweeter. The pets are saying you are worthy of love, you are worthy of
happiness. So keep one.
15.
Go on
Vacation; another good way to surround yourself
with happiness is to go on vacation. Choose a place you have always dreamt of
going and go there. Vacation, in this sense does not necessarily mean going to
another country or a very expensive location. Every country is blessed with a
unique and attractive environment. Just make your choice in the area you can
afford. And make the experience very memorable. If you’ve got family excellent,
even without family it is still sweet. Just go there enjoy yourself in a
different environment, create beautiful memories and carry them around for as
long as you want. That’s the logic.
16.
Watch healthy
television; I have heard
many people criticize television; they ranted how bad television has been on
human beings and our social lives, blah blah. Whenever I see such people I just
laugh at them. Television in its own right has been a great tool in fostering
good social connections among people. Imagine a situation in which the whole family
converges to watch an evening program that everybody enjoys. Isn’t it such a
sweet experience? I bet you it is. The problem with television arises when
people see it as the only means to be entertained and they get hooked to it. Otherwise
there is nothing wrong with it. I know each and every one of us has a
particular program we enjoy watching every now and then. Even if you don’t have
any program you enjoy, do seek for one and enjoy it. Television brings us a ready-made
entertainment to the comfort of our home. So make a healthy use of it.
17.
Help someone; Selfishness can never bring you happiness in
any form. We must go out there to give a helping hand to others. I tell you
this, if there is anything you desire in your life; happiness, money, smiles, friendship
etc. give it to others first. It will then come to your life in abundance. Most
of us believe in the law of attraction so strong that we hardly believe in
other laws. If you want abundance in anything in your life. You must also
believe in the law of sowing and reaping in addition to the law of attraction. The
law of Sowing and Reaping says you reap much more than what you sow. It means
when you make others happy you receive happiness in several ways. When you
actually help someone, you are invariably helping yourself. Ask the rich
philanthropists and spiritually enlightened people, they seem to know this than
the average person on the street. I encourage you to support others so that
your life will be filled with joy.
18. Comedy books
or shows; comedians have an uncanny ability to
make seemingly hopeless and terrible situation come alive with laughter. They
give us another perspective of life that is pleasing and amusing. To spice up
our lives, we need a healthy dose of humor from others. It excites us and makes
us forget our worries and anxiety even though temporarily. But the benefit so
derived is immense and unforgettable. A humor materials (books, videos and
audios) should of necessity is part of our arsenals for defeating unhappiness.
19.
Personal
sense of humor; when you are
humorous yourself, you have the elixir of youth and longevity. You see the
good, the funny and light part of every situation. You are not so tensed and
unable to see the good side of life. In addition to the personal benefits, people
will sense your attitude and will naturally be drawn to you. They will always
associate you with good feelings and positive energy. Because people certainly
will always go to where they experience peace and happiness and shy away from
what gives them pain. To cure your loneliness and unhappiness, why not make
yourself a power-house of happiness to others? It will help you to have good
social connections. Though, you have to practice this with caution and maturity
lest you be seen as an unserious person.
20. Develop
yourself; mediocrity is a sure breeding ground
for an unhappy life. When you are not living up to your potential, you sense it
deep inside you. And you become cynical and pessimistic about people and
everything. In order to be happy, you must make your life productive, creative
and of value. Because it is those who have a healthy contribution to life that
will find it the most pleasurable place to be. Read books, listen to audio
materials on self-developments, volunteer, take classes on your new hobby or
interests. Be an upwardly mobile individual in life .Add value to life and be
happy.
21. Get curious; Curiosity will help you to explore new lands,
subjects, places, interests etc. It will make you to be adventurous. It will
ignite fire and passion for life. When your curiosity if fired up, you will see
a thousand and one reasons life is beautiful. And you will ever be thankful and
grateful for your life— a grateful heart is a breeding ground for happiness.
22.
Always read
my blog (winks); to get the
latest on topics that will motivate, inspire and make you happy, subscribe to
my blog. I will make sure to bombard you with a super happy mood.
Peace!
P. S: If you are plagued with a serious and continuous
situation of depression and unhappiness. Please seek a professional medical and
spiritual help. Tips alone can’t make you happy in this case. But the
combination of tips and professional care will surely help you. Be blessed.
