I read a great article (at 1am 😊) that there is a proven scientific formula for happiness? Now given we are all in lockdown number 4,376 (feels like it) I thought we all might need to be finding our âHappy Placeâ right about now! Apparently 50% is determined by your genes and 10% stems from what happens in life. This means folks, if I do the math correctly that a huge 40% of our happiness is UP TO US!
So here are some suggestions on how to guide your 40% to happiness and not (cue heavy Darth Vader breathing) the DARK SIDE!
Try to embrace a new way of thinking- accepting that the only certainty in life is that there is no certainty might just be the most important approach to happiness. Flexible thinking can be tricky but if you can push through the challenge of doing things differently, you could find your happy! That might mean considering an alternate point of view on a topic you are passionate about, or even something as random as switching to online banking, even if it is a bit fiddly at first, because it will ultimately make your life easier.
Get off the worry wheel- sometimes worry works in our favour, think about wearing seatbelts, buying insurance, brushing your teeth, writing your Will, these are a few precautions worth taking. BUT- sometimes it goes against us like when you feel bad for forgetting to post a Bâday card, not calling someone back when you said you would (and now you feel you have left it too long), made a huge, colossal, C4 explosive error at work (not mentioning any names) and worry about how you will correct it. Worry, worry, worry.
Once you have done everything reasonably within your control to remedy a problem, its time to let go of it. Break that pesky worry wheel through action and distract yourself by doing things you enjoy.
Say goodbye to physical tension- the article suggested that the old saying and doing of âput your feet upâ might be the quickest way to increase your happiness. Think about it, if youâre regularly stressed then the muscles throughout your body will be tense. To counteract this just do some simple form of exercise, while you have your feet up do some meditation anything that will relax you enough to let the happy in!
Finally, celebrate your victories (no matter how small)- studies have shown its often small, day to day events; like missing the bus-that wear at us, not getting that job, why has my application not had a response. Even if the rest of your life is going swimmingly overall these little things (much like a mosquito buzzing around you) take an overall toll. To counteract that (aside from smashing the mozzi into oblivion with a swatter) is to be aware of every small victory as well as the big ones, celebrate them, be proud of them and what you will find is that will end up strengthening your ability to see the âhappyâ!