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Working Towards A Happy Temperament Is A Better Way To Be Happy More Often

HAPPINESS NEEDS WORKING AT RATHER THAN EXPECTING IT TO JUST COME TO YOU - THAT SELDOM COMES TO MOST, OR WISHING TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME, DOES IT? AND THAT'S WHY SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED WITH IT OR DISDAINED. IF WE CAN REPLACE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS WITH A DIFFERENT OUTLOOK ON HAPPINESS, A PRACTICAL ONE, THIS CAN WORK FOR MOST OF US.

Collect Happy Thoughts And Moments Instead Of Disappointments

HAPPINESS IS WITHIN OUR REACH WITH THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS. TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK THINGS - Including Happiness - AND IT WILL BE YOURS MORE OFTEN. HAPPINESS HAS A WAY OF EVADING US WHEN WE CHASE IT AWAY. RECOGNISE THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN MAKE US HAPPY MORE OFTEN. YES INDEED, LETS DO THAT.

We Are Happier If We:

You don’t sweat the small stuff...
Just miss the train? Spill your coffee? It doesn’t matter. If focusing on what’s important and not obsessing over minor annoyances is a priority of yours, it may be a sign that you’re in a good place. Research has shown that those who swap focusing on the small, everyday negatives for emphasis on brief, joyful moments tend to be happier overall. Happy people don’t deny that there are peaks and valleys in life -- but by concentrating on what goes right instead of what goes wrong, you set yourself up for longer-term contentment and greater resilience when dealing with negative events.

...In fact, you appreciate the little things.
Nothing is greater than hearing your favorite song come on the radio or being outside and hearing a few birds chirp. The little things are what contentment is composed of -- and you recognize that. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude is a key component to a happy life, and if you’re thankful for the little things that make you smile, then it’s a good sign you’re on the right path. Source HERE

Behaviour Science Has Some Suggestions:

Share your positive experiences.

Studies published in BPS ResearchOpens in a new windowOpens in a new window have found that sharing the good things that happen in your life can raise happiness levels. In one study, participants who journaled and shared positive experiences with another person at least twice a week were more satisfied with life.

Stop striving for perfection.

We all have a tendency to work too much and feel that if we don't do something productive every day, we've somehow failed. Slow down and eliminate the need to strive and be perfect. You'll begin to appreciate and focus on other, neglected priorities that bring you joy.

Be patient.

Patience is a virtue not enough people practice in our frantic pace of life. But it helps you relax and rethink when things are snowballing out of control. It helps you see the innocence in other people during those really frustrating moments when you'd like fist to meet wall.

Show genuine enthusiasm for others.

Researchers have found that when you respond to good news from a colleague with energy, excitement, curiosity, and enthusiasm, it not only makes that person feel good, it makes you feel more positive. They call it "active and constructive respondingOpens in a new windowOpens in a new window (ACR)." An ACR response might be, "That's fantastic! I had no doubts you would get that promotion--let's celebrate!" By showing interest, you'll maintain strong personal relationships and raise your happiness levels in the process. Source HERE

Happier In The Workplace

Avoid the Rat Race of competitors – it’s hard to keep up with them – work for your own satisfaction. Avoid the Gossipers who watch too many Soap Operas – they lower the quality of your thinking – your brain will perform better without the excess baggage. Consider having an outlook of optimism in some way – you don’t have to be an Optimist to practice some.  And let an outlook of Gratitude be on your side – you will find less things to be upset about. (Janet)

Something to be said for Simplicity

Keep Things Simple - Don't let worries Crowd your Thinking or your day. Declutter some rooms in your house – we don’t need half those things that hinder us from enjoying more space. You will be able to move around easier and avoid feeling just plain yuck. Believe it or not, many women who have tried this report benefits of stressing less. (Janet)

Balance Happiness With Contentment

Avoid thoughts of discontent, they complicate things and feed negativity none of us need. When we take time to enjoy the little things in life, we are not at the mercy of waiting for exciting things and big things to be happy Life brings less disappointments. This outlook saves us from life-sapping unrealistic expectations. See how many happy moments you can collect – so to speak instead of disappointments. Contentment really affords more happiness. (Janet)

Laugh More Often

Laugh More Often and Smile More Often, as an act of will because this sends positive messages to your brain if you practice them often. There are other benefits: Laughter releases endorphins into the body - they say these natural chemicals in our body when activated, is more powerful than morphine. And Laughter gives your muscles a good work out - especially a good hearty laugh. It's really exhilarating, and less strenuous than an equivalent in exercise for some people. (Janet)

Journal about your Positive Experiences, not the sad ones or upsetting ones.