How to Be Happy!

How to Be Happy

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-be-happy-2

What is Happiness and How can we cultivate it? Even the word happy can seem like an abstract term meaning different things to different people, but rising interest in the subject by social scientists has generated research based findings that now can be parlayed into practical action.

Here, we boil down the experience to get some solid advice which can make us all a little bit happier.

Step 1 – Be a Do-Gooder
Researchers caution against mistaking pleasure for happiness – pleasure is based on external factors leaving you wanting more, more, more… Happiness, however, is influenced less directly, even by putting off your own pleasure for the good of someone else. People who do selfless acts of kindness, whether by helping at a shelter or just helping out a friend, raised their reported level of happiness

“Good deeds and generosity increase happiness”

Step 2 – Don’t Sweat Decisions
The longer the choice is debated the less happy the decider is with the outcome. Whether it’s what to eat or where to live, first set your standards, factors most important to you, then take the first option that meets them.
“Having too many choices increases stress”

Step 3 – Spend Well
If you’re going to splurge, do it on an experience you’ll remember, not goods or gadgets. Research indicates that people often regret purchasing an expensive item, but tend not to regret money spent on experiences such as dining and travel.

Step 4 – Aim High…But Not That High
Those at the pinnacle of financial success don’t report significantly higher levels of happiness than the average joe. Ask yourself if that overtime is really worth it.

“Those on the Forbes 100 list are not much happier than average”

Step 5 – Be a Joiner
Whether it’s a church, synagogue, or street dance crew; being a part of a defined community group raises happiness levels.

Step 6 – Stop Dwelling
Leading psychologist, Sonya Liubamurski, has found the happiest people don’t dwell on negative or ambiguous events. Furthermore, excessive introspection may sap your mental resources making it harder for positive changes to occur. So turn off that Morrissey record and go outside.

Step 7 – Be Grateful
Several professors and scholars in this field instruct students to keep a regular journal of what they’re thankful for. The results indicate that gratitude reliably increases happiness. Who knew that those greeting cards telling us to “count our blessings” were right?

“Being grateful cultivates feelings of abundance”

This concludes videojug’s guide to research-based happiness... it has to work, it’s science!

Thanks for watching and have a thrifty, community-focused, non-introspective day!

Done! :D