05 Sep Got 30 seconds? Then you can boost your happiness! Here are 10 quick ways to get your happy on…
10 Ways to Make Yourself Happier in 30 Seconds or Less
via PsychologyToday by Meg Selig
Feeling down? Got the blahs? This post provides 10 easy ways to feel happier in 30 seconds or less—and every technique is based on the best research available.
But first, what is happiness?
Of all of the definitions of happiness, my favorite is from psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, who defines it as “the overall experience of pleasure and meaning.” I find it true that neither “pleasure” nor “meaning” alone quite describe happiness. You need meaning to give you a sense of purpose in life, and you need pleasure to give you a sense of joy or well-being in the present moment.
If you want to be happier, just add pleasure or meaning to your life (assuming your pleasures or purposes do not harm you or another person). You’ll discover that you’ll not only be happier in the moment, you’ll also increase your ability to be happier in the future.
The following happiness enhancers will increase your immediate sense of pleasure or your sense of your life’s meaning, or both—in the blink of an eye. You don’t need another person to help you, and you can practice the techniques almost anywhere—at work, at home, outside, in your car. Only your willing mind is required.
How to Become Happy in 30 Seconds or Less
1. Take one deep breath.
Just one deep breath can turn down your “fight-or-flight” instinct and activate your “rest-and-restore” mode. Got 15 seconds more? Take another deep breath. You’ll feel even more content.
2. Find something in your day that triggers a feeling of gratitude.
You had a good breakfast, you have a job, or you enjoyed reading the newspaper this morning. Absorb that feeling of gratitude for a few moments. Lingering on a positive experience helps embed it in your brain.
3. Take time to appreciate something that didn’t happen during your day.
No one in your family got sick, you didn’t have car trouble, and you didn’t fight with anyone. Remember to keep things in perspective…
…keep reading the full & original article HERE