According to Shawn Achor, author of the Happiness Advantage, happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it is the realization that we can. Positive emotions provide a swift antidote to physical and mental stress, what psychologists call “the undoing effect.” Here are seven ways to capitalize on the Happiness Advantage:
Meditate – it raises the level of happiness, lowers stress and improves immune function.
Find something to look forward to – anticipating future rewards can light up the pleasure centers in your brain much as the actual reward will.
Commit conscious acts of kindness – acts of altruism, giving to friends and strangers alike decreases stress and actively contributes to enhanced mental health. Strive for five acts of kindness per day. It may be as simple as holding the door for someone or letting them merge into your lane of traffic.
Infuse positivity into your surroundings through décor and pictures, getting outside during the day for 20 minutes (this will boost positive mood and broaden thinking and memory), change surroundings by turning off the television, news, etc.
Exercise – physical activity is an incredibly powerful mood lifter and is long lasting.
Spend money on experiences instead of things; this produces emotions that are more meaningful and lasting.
Exercise a signature strength, such as cooking or love of learning. What is yours?
As you integrate these happiness exercises into your daily life, you will start to notice how much better you feel and your enhanced positivity makes you more efficient, motivated, productive and opens up opportunities for more significant achievement.
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