What determines a person’s level of happiness:
•Genetics accounts for 50%
•Income, ethnicity, and health account for another 15% and
•The remaining 35% is a product of how the person thinks and acts.
How do you maximize that 35%? A good place to start is my Top 12 Takeaways from Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project”.
Make your own kind of fun. Do things enjoy!
Trying new things is nice, but remember to be true to yourself. You can’t force yourself to love things that are not you.
Splurge on your health
It is money well spent if it boosts your mental and physical well-being. An example of this spend big on your bed and bedding. I am a huge fan of the Hush Blanket. A good night sleep is worth every penny.
Improve the relationships that matter most
When selecting a relationship to focus on, pick one central to your life, like your marriage or your relationship with your parents and children. Remember that you can’t change other people; you can only change yourself. If your spouse does something that is annoying. You will get more bang for your buck working on developing coping strategies than trying to change them.
Find a job or profession that you are passionate about
We spend so much of our lives working. Find something you enjoy and that makes you want to get up in the morning.
Develop deep friendships
Make an effort to stay in close contact with the friends closest to you. Remember birthdays, offer favors and avoid gossip.
Water off a duck’s back
In other words, lighten up, don’t sweat the small stuff, and take fun seriously.
Cultivate your spirituality and embrace gratitude
Studies show that people who are more spiritual live longer, are healthier, and deal better with stress. Become “More Grateful” keeping a gratitude journal is a great place to start.
Pursue your passions
Spend time doing things you are passionate about. If you’ve always wanted to write a book, spend the time do it! Set aside time to do the things that excite you.
Practice Mindfulness
Mediation is a great way to slow down life. But you can be mindful throughout the day when talking on the phone, interacting with a stranger, or brushing your teeth. Enjoy the process!
Toss, Restore, Organize
Decluttering is a terrific way to make yourself more creative and a great way to practice self-care. Be on the lookout for ‘buyers remorse clutter’ just because you bought something doesn’t mean you should keep it
Find more fun time
Take time to be silly. People who have fun are 20 times to feel happier.
Do good, feel good!
Academy award winner Denzil Washington hit the nail on the head with his famous quote. “The most selfish thing you can do in this world is to help someone else. The good feeling that I get from helping others; nothing’s better than that.”
