7 Tips To Raise Your Happiness Level TODAY

Jochen GrosIt’s not exactly new that there are lots of opportunities for feeling unhappy, disgruntled, and depressed these days. Most of us are in some way less than pleased about our situation in life, our bank balance, so on and so forth. That’s probably the human condition since time immemorial; cave dwellers probably felt on some level that there was a better, warmer, safer cave nearby if they could only get there.

With the economic situation world-wide and the other political things happening, however, (not to mention the current weird alignment of the planets – just ask Michael Lutin!) the potential triggers for feeling lousy may indeed be more abundant than usual. Follow me on the flip for some handy tips that might help you (and for that matter, your dear Ms. Sanity) stay in a happier frame of mind.  These tips may not be groundbreaking, but I hope they may serve as a helpful reminder to anyone who stumbles upon them.

1.) Surround yourself with (or pay attention to) happy, upbeat people.

Remember that what (and whom) you pay attention to in your life literally grows and becomes a bigger part of your life.

There are some people who are naturally inclined to optimism. Many who are even inclined to thoughtful, searching, considered optimism. Good attitudes, hope, and joy are catching. If you don’t have these people in your life, you can find them online or ask around. Even a little exposure to these upbeat folks can help your feelings of happiness. EVEN if they get on your nerves while you’re talking to them or reading what they have to say!

2.) Limit your news intake, whether on television, online, or newspapers.

There will always be bad news, and guess what, bad news sells…(and puts eyeballs on websites, etc.) That’s why traditional news outlets in particular seem to focus on “bad news…” because they actually DO focus on the bad news! Regardless of your political or other orientations and priorities, there will always be something in the news that’s upsetting. Particularly when you are struggling, limit your intake. This does not have to be permanent.

3.) Help other people.

There is always someone nearby or online who could use an encouraging word, a donation, or simply someone to listen to them. Whatever your circumstances, you have this to offer, even if you can only manage 30 seconds. The benefits of doing so are enormous and farther reaching than you’d believe toward helping your happiness level.

4.) Wallow in bad feelings if you must, but set time limits for wallowing.

Sometimes bad feelings and sadness and unhappiness are natural or unavoidable. (Death of someone you care about, Major changes in relationships, Major life or health changes, and so forth.) All of these things are adjustments which take time, and simply plastering on a happy face in the midst of true emotional challenges is a recipe for disaster. So allowing yourself to “feel the pain” (or to wallow, if you will…) is reasonable. What you don’t want to do is to allow yourself to get stuck there.  Give yourself a time limit that seems reasonable, (sometimes this means weeks to months!)  and if you cannot find your way to feeling normal once the time limit expires, it may be time to talk to your doctor or seek other outside help.

5.) Talk about it.

Not  everyone needs formal therapy or a doctor’s care of course when they’re struggling with emotional issues and/or unhappiness, but everyone needs to express their feelings. Find a way to do so. The advent of the internet has made this easier.

6.) Bootstraps don’t exist.

There is a much misguided idea in these United States anyway that we should all “pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps.” Personally, I’ve never seen anyone in my lifetime who actually had bootstraps, much less someone who could “pull themselves up by them. “  It can be critical to know when the jig is up and when you should ask for help and stop thinking about your damn non-existent bootstraps. Asking for help is a sign of wisdom and strength, and NOT weakness. We are all in this life together.

One of the many guidelines which indicate that you should run, not walk, to a health care provider: is when you start thinking (especially when you continue to think) that the world or your loved ones would be better off without you, and/or you start making plans to bring that about. Suicide really is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you are feeling that way, get help. Today. Here are some 24/7 hotlines in the USA that are standing by to help you: 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-TALK  (1-800-273-8255)

7.) Talk to a child/spend time with children.

There’s a reason why we say “kids say the darnedest things,” and “Out of the mouths of babes…”  This is because children have a fresh way of looking at the world which can sometimes bring light streaming into the life of an adult in unexpected ways.  Take a moment and talk to a child, and if you don’t have one handy, (with their parent’s permission) a neighbor’s child will do. Have them tell you a joke. You’ll be glad you did.

Above all, know that you are not alone. Because that’s the truth.

(Image Courtesy of Jochen Gros.)

April 20, 2009  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: Sane, Tips

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