Ups and downs are part of life, and nothing is permanent except perhaps change itself. Similarly, happiness and sadness, neither of them are permanent. No matter how many challenges we face on a daily basis and struggle to survive difficult times, the hope that everything will get better sooner or later is always there.
Clearly, all of us, regardless of our age, gender, or race are somehow striving to attain happiness in our own ways. Some find happiness in love, some find it in materialistic things, some in the number of awards they have achieved and some simply in the number of faces they have been light with a smile. Everybody has their own definition of happiness. Even so, there are quite a few universal causes of happiness which I would like to highlight through this article. Happy reading!
Success
Success is not only about financial success; it is actually about being able to set goals and achieve them. If you have passed your exam with flying colors, or you have successfully lost 10 pounds in 1 month, or your boss has announced that you are getting a bonus, all these achievements are going to make you happy. Thus, if you want to experience the delight and happiness by achieving success, then you should set realistic goals more often and strive to attain them. Mostly, it is the journey towards the goal that keeps one content. Remember that success and happiness are interlinked. Success makes people happier and it is often the happy people who are more likely to become successful.
Family and Friends
According to Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard happiness expert, spending quality time with family and friends causes true happiness., and all other things that make us happy are in reality a means of getting to spend more time with family and friends. Thus, having a warm conversation at the dinner table, playing a board game or Uno cards with family, or just visiting a park nearby for a walk with them, can really cheer us up. Furthermore, bringing smiles on the faces of our family members and friends also instill the feeling of joy in us, this is why, we love to arrange birthday parties for our best friends and strive harder to make our parents proud at many stages of our lives.
Food and Exercise
Yes, food, a group of several essential chemical compounds that pleases our taste buds, satiates our craving, and eventually reacts with our brain cells to stimulate happy hormones, is one of the main causes of happiness. This is why various nutrition and diet experts allow their clients to go for a cheat diet at least once a week. Fatty foods such as fries, chocolate, ice cream, pizza, burger, and many more do have a positive psychological effect on us but only if they are taken in moderate quantity. Besides, we are encouraged to eat several fresh fruits and vegetables which consist of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and tryptophan that boost serotonin, endorphins, dopamine, and other hormones which fights depression and elevate our mood. These neurotransmitters are also released in greater amounts when we exercise. Also, working out daily keeps you in a good shape which further enhances your confidence and self-esteem.
Religion and spirituality
A research study from 2009 reveals that having a purpose of life which is granted by spirituality greatly enhances the feeling of happiness and contentment. Also, all religions in the world teach humanity, promotes forgiveness, meditation, charity, and helping others. These things in turn boost self-esteem and the feeling of empowerment, grant inner peace, give a sense of belonging, and make one more grateful. Collectively, all these feelings contribute to a happier mood.
Yourself
Yes, there could be a variety of things which cause happiness but the foremost thing which will make you a happy-go-lucky dude is yourself. Happiness actually comes from within and you are the sole person in charge of how you choose to feel. Not only accept yourself but also love yourself unconditionally; be more optimistic, and never ever underestimate yourself. Do more of the things that make you happy within the confines of legal system. Also, thinking about all the blessings you have and seeing things with the perspective of glass half-full rather than half-empty is what will keep you alive and delightful from within. After all gratitude is the key to happiness.
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