6 Simple Ways to a Happier Life (VIDEO)
What makes you happy? It might be tough to pinpoint the answer, but with these tips from Gretchen Rubin, author of the international bestseller ‘The Happiness Project’, you can explore the age-old question: “How can I lead a happier, more meaningful life?” Watch:
Gretchen Rubin
1. Connect with other people. Scientists and philosophers agree that strong connections other people is what makes us happy. Foster new relationships and continue to strengthen the ones you already have, Rubin says.
Related: Buddhist Matthieu Ricard on the Importance of Compassion
2. Challenge yourself. Whether you are learning something new, overcoming a challenge fixing something or helping somebody, any instance in which you challenge yourself will give you a feeling of accomplishment. “If you can take a class, clean out your garage, help a friend move or donate your time to an organization that you believe in,” Rubin says, “these kinds of things that will make you happy.”
3. ‘Do good, feel good’ rule. “One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy,” Rubin tells genConnect. Make introductions, perform thoughtful acts and give back to the organizations you believe in.
Related: ‘Philanthropy Is a Lifestyle’ That Anyone Can Have
4. Mind your health. Prevent challenges to your happiness by getting enough sleep, getting a little bit of exercise, managing pain, discomfort and chronic pain.
Related: The Science of Happiness
5. Have fun! “Sing out loud, jump up and down or enjoy a beautiful smell,” Rubin suggests. “These are things that can help us take more pleasure in our daily physical, bodily existence.”
6. Imitate a spiritual master. An interesting way to make spirituality a part of your everyday life is to embody a famous spiritual figure whom you admire. “Identify your spiritual master, learn about your spiritual master and then think, ‘how would I translate those teachings into my everyday life?’” Rubin tells genConnect. “It teaches you a lot about yourself by who you pick and what your values are.”
Related: The Secret of True Success
For more tips from Gretchen Rubin, visit her Happiness Project website.
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