Five Keys to Happiness

The keys to happiness are not a secret, they are a process. To be happier, you must practice every day. The following five keys to happiness, if practiced daily, will lead you to find greater joy, success and fulfillment.nnSavor Every MomentnTo be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the “here and now.” When we savor every moment, we are savoring the happiness in our lives. By sharing the positive aspects of your life with others gives you a great opportunity to savor the moment. When something good happens to you, go ahead and celebrate the event. Tell others what has happened and the significant impact it has had on you. Sometimes we do not allow ourselves the forum to “brag on ourselves” or spread the good news of our life.nnExercisenThe expression a “runner’s high” does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind - a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence. Indeed, one way to increase your happiness is to move! On days when you feel burdened or sadden, try taking a walk, vacuuming the house, or going to the gym. The feeling of accomplishment for getting up on your feet and doing something physical other than just idling in a non-responsive, non-productive manner will simply make you feel better about yourself and your current circumstances.nnStay PositivenSometimes we have to fake it until we make it. I’m not suggesting that we not be honest, real or authentic, but I’m suggesting, sometimes, we just need to stay positive and keep moving forward. Researchers claim that smiling and looking like we are happy will indeed make us happier. Studies further show that if we act like we are happy then we can experience greater joy and happiness in our lives. It’s a matter of creating a state of mind and creating a new reality. There is no question some days are better than others. For the days we suffer the setbacks and disappointments we need to reframe the angst and replace it with a new attitude. Try smiling; try laughing - at any thing, to change the current condition. Happiness and laughter are both quite contagious.nnStay ConnectednAlthough an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee joy, it does have a huge impact on our happiness. Learn to make friendships and relationships a priority in your life. Friends provide markers in our lives who we share ourselves with, making our lives more complete and filled with purpose and meaning. In friendship, risk being yourself. There comes a time in all friendships when you must open up and express your deepest feelings and let your friend know what you think and how you feel and how you are going to make it through a certain situation. By being “real” with your friends or partner you have an opportunity to get in touch with your true feelings; your true level of happiness and what you may need to do to improve the quality of your life.nnBe GratefulnIf you want to be happy today, you must be grateful for what you have right now. It’s that simple. You can’t be happy if you are not satisfied. This doesn’t mean you can’t be striving for more, but you must appreciate and relish the gifts you currently have. How many times do you say the words “thank you,” in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the “thank yous”, the latter will naturally take care of itself. Learn to be grateful every day and open yourself up to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.