How To Get Happy When You're Not.

How to Get Happy When You're Not.

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and it can even affect your happiness, health, and well-being. 

Although happiness is a temporary state of being, researchers suggests that people who focus their energies on leading an engaged and meaningful life are more successful at achieving long-term happiness over those who focus on the transitory feel-goods of pleasure (e.g. shopping, fame, food, and physical attractiveness). So, what if your goal is to feel less frustrated, sad, or anxious and more positive right now? Here are a few ideas to get you started. You may have to keep at it for a bit, but start by choosing one that works for you.

• Try mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness means being in the moment and observing your surroundings in a nonjudgmental way. Focusing on the here and now is a counterbalance to research that says mind wandering comes at an emotional cost. 
• Give Thanks. Gratitude is associated with feelings of well-being. Keep a daily gratitude journal. At the end of each day write down what you most appreciate in yourself and in those around you. Don't forget to include your pets, your home, your income, and the food you eat. 
• Engage in activities that are in line with your values and interests. Develop a list of all the activities that help you release stress and give you joy. Whether it's music, art, spending time with family and friends, or riding your bicycle to the market, make time for activities that inspire you on a regular basis.
• Give back. Volunteering and helping others can increase your sense of purpose, make room for opportunities to create new friendships, and it is linked to greater levels of happiness.
• Take one thing off your To Do list. Not only does stress put you at a greater risk for anxiety and depression but, according to the Yale Stress Center, stress is believed to be the cause of 70% of doctors’ office visits and 85% of serious illnesses.

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