We all strive to live a joyful life. We long for that constant state of euphoria. However life isn’t always full of butterflie...
We all strive to live a joyful life. We long for that constant state of euphoria. However life isn’t always full of butterflies and unicorns. Here and there wasps will sting us, loved ones will hurt us, rock bottom will feel too home like. When adversity hits, how we react can make or break us. Perception is everything. Will you look at the glass half-full or half-empty? Will you choose optimism or the pessimistic route?
“Cynical people, who easily become hostile, are more likely to be diabetic and if they have a suspicious nature, are also likely to have raised blood pressure when they get frustrated. However, optimists get ill less often, less seriously and tend to live longer, but over-optimists have a tendency to adopt risky, health threatening lifestyles.”
Here are 10 tools you can use to maintain a happier perception in any given situation:
1. Seek for the Positive over the negative.
• This is an obvious tool but it’s a lot easier said than done when in a heated moment. There are a million things going on around us every moment both negative and positive. If you notice your mind start complaining, consciously switch your focus towards something you are grateful for. A good example of this is two cars being stuck in traffic. One driver is cussing up a storm, honking all over the place while the driver next to him is jamming out to their favorite song. Which driver will you be?
2. Focus on the little things.
• Zen masters are in a constant state of bliss because they can find love blossoming out of the tiniest things in life such as a butterfly fluttering by. When we can appreciate the little things in life, all of a sudden our “big” problems seem to vanish into thin air.
3. Offer help to others.
• We are all one specie. We all play a part to a greater interconnected consciousness. When we see another being in need of help whether physically, mentally, or emotionally and we take action to assist that person, we are at the same time helping our own self. As the popular saying goes “the more you give, the more you shall receive.” These actions should be done without a desire for reward.
4. Be genuinely interested in others.
• We live in a world where too many people are obsessed with themselves to where they hear what you’re saying but don’t truly listen as they’re caught up in their own head drama. It’s rare to find someone that genuinely listens to what you have to say and is truly interested in it. People will appreciate your presence so much more if you really hear them out.
5. Exercise and eat well.
• This is a no brainer. When we sit in the house all day, we become lethargic and cause a domino effect of lazy behavior. Exercise has been proven to release endorphins which emulate pleasure and reduce stress. If we eat organic and healthy full meals, we have more energy and feel better overall. However there is a fine line of eating too much. Listen to your body and give it what it wants.
6. Stay close to family & friends
• Human beings are animals that thrive in packs. We have a deep rooted connection to each other, especially towards blood relatives and close friends. Unconditional love circulates around these groups of people. With the slightest amount of effort, they know how to put a smile on our faces. Being with your tribe of people will certainly boost your happiness.
7. Pursue your interests
• Too many people get caught up in doing things because they believe they have to do it. Seek out what’s important to you. Find what really makes your heart jump for joy and pursue it full on. Life is short, live it with your hearts best interest.
8. Have fun, but know your limits.
• Engage in activities that are fun to you. Whether that be playing sports or video games. Finding sources of entertainment is important to keeping our happiness and sanity. Moderation is key in this aspect. Too much fun and you may not get any productive, progressive work accomplished. Not enough fun and you will stress yourself out.
9. Don’t spread your frustrations onto others.
• It’s far too easy to let anger take the wheel and let loose on all those around us. This causes a domino effect that leads to more and more frustration. We create a storm around us that tries to suck in all those around us. No one likes being around a negative Nancy. If your frustration gets to this level, perhaps take a walk outside and take some deep breathes until you can tame the anger.
10. Don’t waste your time on junk.
• The society we live in is full of junk media. I personally don’t watch television because of all the crap shows that display unneeded negative drama. There is a bunch of music that promotes negativity as well. Next time you are watching a show or listening to the radio, really tune into the message that is being spoken. If it has negative connotations, turn it off!
h/t: News Cult
