How to Be Happy

Wondering how to be happy? 

Well, psychologists all agree that one of the best ways to be happy is to focus on the positive and not dwell on the negative. Doing so is easier than you think!

Most important is your attitude. How you think about yourself makes a difference. Dwelling on the negative only makes things worse. So focus on what makes you great and what's good about your life.

Other people tend to pick up on the good moods of those around them because outward signs of happiness are hard to disguise. Most people interpret a smile on someone else's face as happiness and automatically smile in response. 

So start sharing the secrets to happiness and smile.
Isn't that what life is all about?

1. Try Something New

Try something new and awaken your passion! By taking a small step toward a passion or goal that nurtures you, you will feel more energetic. 

When you change your routine and do something out of the ordinary, it can lead to a new passion for life. By adding new purpose and meaning to your life it can increase your overall feeling of happiness and well being.

Learning something new is also a great way to challenge the brain. Physical activity promotes brain cell growth.

It is important to try something new outside of work, regardless of how much you love your job. 

Suggested "How To Be Happy" Passions...

Do something you have always wanted to do and surprise yourself. It could lead to feelings of happiness and joy.

• Take a class such as cooking, art, ballet or salsa.
• Go bird watching.
• Learn to play card games such as euchre or pinochle.
• Take golf or tennis lessons.
• Join a gardening, quilting, or a reading circle.

2. Stop to Smell the Roses

When you need a happiness fix, smell flowers! It can even be a flowery perfume. According to scientists at Rutgers and La Salle Universities, "A floral scent can alter brain chemicals that lift your feelings of happiness and overall mood."

Scientists believe that as flowers evolved over the years, the ones with the greatest mood lifting aromas received the best care. As a result, more flowers today have this floral ability to promote feelings of happiness.

A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry suggests that breathing in the scent of fresh flowers can increase your mood by suppressing the body's production of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Other research shows that looking at colorful flowers stimulates the brain's production of stress soothing alpha waves. 

The next time you pass by the floral department at the grocery store, stop for a brief moment to "smell the roses."

3. Listen to the Right Music

Researchers have discovered that music has a positive effect on your overall well being and can make you feel happier, optimistic and more motivated.

• Music that is upbeat with positive lyrics can make you feel happy and even reduce anxiety.

• Other research shows that violins and harps have the ability to lower stress, anxiety and even blood pressure levels.

• Listening to trumpets makes you feel more motivated and triumphant by releasing feel good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine.

4. How Chocolate Makes You Happy

The benefits of chocolate are numerous. Studies show that chocolate can improve your mood, lower stress and even increase your energy. 

How Chocolate Makes You Happy

• Chocolate Improves Your Mood  - According to a study in the Journal Appetite, drinking cocoa can lift your mood and the overall good feeling can last for up to an hour or more. The is due to the phytochemicals found in chocolate which trigger the release of the feel good brain chemical serotonin.

• Chocolate Lowers Stress  - Swiss researchers found that the polyphenols in dark chocolate lower the body's production of cortisol and catecholamines, two stress hormones. This helps lower feelings of stress and anxiety and helps prevent high blood pressure. 

• Chocolate Increases Energy  - The compounds found in cocoa increase the activity of mitochondria which increases the body's energy and helps convert glucose into fuel. Preliminary research shows that regular consumption of cocoa can increase physical endurance by 50 percent.

5. Switch to "Half Full" Thinking

The glass is "half full" mentality is important when learning how to be happy. The moment you start to think a negative thought, turn your focus to how wonderful you are and be grateful that you are unique and special.

According to a University of Buffalo research study, you can increase the brain's production of energizing endorphins with positive thoughts which can also increase overall good feelings about yourself.

Research reported at a recent convention in Toronto by the American Psychological Association showed that as people get older, they tend to experience an increase in happiness and emotional well being.

This is because older adults are more mature and have more emotional self control. They have also figured out how to be happy with themselves, the best way to manage stressful situations, and are less likely to let negative comments or criticism affect them in any way.

As people get older, they tend to experience an increase in happiness and emotional well being.

6. Spend Time Outdoors

Science has shown that the great outdoors has amazing health benefits.

Research from the University of Southern California reported that just by looking at a landscape, sunset or natural environment can stimulate feel good endorphins in the brain that make us happy. Spending time outdoors is even better at creating these feel good endorphins.

In another research study it was reported that the color, pattern and smell of the outdoors can positively affect your mental and physical well being. So take a walk outdoors if even for a few minutes to boost your mood.

According to Environmental Science & Technology, five minute outdoors can raise your feelings of happiness!

7. Release Negative Energy with Laughter

Did you know that laughing can improve blood flow by 21 percent and is even good for your heart? Watching funny TV or movies is a better way to promote happiness than watching the news.

A study from the University of Texas in Austin reported that those who watched a funny show on TV experienced an increase in the dilation of blood vessels compared with those who had a constriction of blood vessels watching a serious documentary. 

According to Dr. Katz, director for the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine, "When you are happy, your body releases feel good neurochemicals called endorphins that can have many favorable effects on the body."

A Japanese research study showed that frequent laughter can lower your blood pressure. This is because laughing requires deep breathing and muscle contractions which increase blood and the clearing of arteries.

How to Be Happier Is Easier Than You Think

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8. Count Your Blessings

Think often of all the good things in your life. Say "thank you" several times a day. Contemplate the areas of your life that are working well for you. Take those skills and apply them to what you would like to improve.

Thank others frequently and with sincerity. 

Send thank you cards, gestures of encouragement and smiles to others. Most people appreciate kindness and good manners.

Smile when you answer the phone! Put a smile on your face and in your voice. When you welcome people into your life, you allow them to feel your happiness and warmth.

9. Adopt a Minimalist Decorating Style at Home

Did you know you can boost your happiness by clearing the clutter from your home? Living well in a cozy home with an emphasis on the people who are important to you rather than "things" not only makes your home neater but makes you happier too! Follow these easy tips to find happiness at home...

 - Choose one (or two) colors per room. Too many colors can be distracting and stressful. In Denmark, rooms are often left white then accented with a single color to create a clean, crisp look.

 - If you love using colors to decorate, then discover the meaning of colors and identify those that make you happy.

 - Decorate with candles. An easy way to de-clutter is to clear a table of all items except for a few lit candles. This creates a feeling of warmth, coziness, security and well being.

 - Keep open shelves covered. Homes in Denmark almost never have open shelves or see through glass doors. This keeps clutter out of sight. Even bookshelves are placed behind doors. Studies show that keeping items you are not using out of sight makes you subconsciously feel more relaxed.

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Bonus Tip - How To Be Happy
Wake Up Happier With Flowers in the Bedroom!

An colorful bouquet of flowers can brighten the bedroom and help you wake up happier. Research from Harvard University found that women who saw flowers in the morning felt happier and as a result, had lower levels of cortisol.

• Research shows that women who are happier in life are on average 25 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Those who describe themselves as happy, develop 50 percent more antibodies than average in response to flu vaccines.

• Duke researchers showed that happy, optimistic people are 30 percent less likely to get a cold or suffer from upper respiratory infections.

A Happy Dancing Solar Flower!

The solar panel in front collects sunlight providing the energy to cause the flower and its leaves to move. 

Shop all Solar Flowers.

A solar flower is irresistibly cute and sure to bring a smile to your face.