Finding Happiness Every Day

Many of you may be thinking I'm about to tell you that if you think happy thoughts, ignore the bad stuff in your life and just change your perspective a little then everything will be easier. Actually, happiness is a fairly complex thing to define. There are different levels, such as the highs of joy and excitement, or even and calm contentment. And what do you think will make you happy? A promotion, or a car that works, or if you just had enough free time in the day? As most of you suspect, happiness extends beyond surface-level mindset into a way of life. We are often taught that if we work harder or get that next best thing and keep up with the Joneses, then we will be happy. However, scientists have found that happiness actually precedes success. The more happy you are, the more primed you are for achievement and overall well-being. People who are happy are healthier, experience better marriages, have longer lasting and more fulfilling friendships, are more creative and do better in their careers. Here are a few things that you can do to increase your happiness, and thus, your feelings of fulfillment, as studied by social psychologist Shawn Achor.

Meditation involves clearing your mind and focusing on your breath. Activities that involve meditation, such as yoga or martial arts, leave you feeling calm and focused throughout the day, and can even grow the part of your brain that makes you feel happy when practiced regularly. As little as 5 to 10 minutes a day is enough.


Having a goal to look forward to raises your endorphins in your body. This can be something as little as telling yourself you can take a walk in the park at the end of the day or as big as a trip to Disneyland at the end of the year.

Being altruistic has been found to be far more rewarding in the long haul than spending time and money on yourself. You can do something small, like giving a toy to the child of a family friend, or spend a couple hours a week volunteering at a local animal shelter.

Surround yourself with things that remind you of being happy. Keep a picture of your family on your desk, or drink out of the coffee cup your child made you in art class. If there's a window nearby, get a breath of fresh air and open it for a few minutes, even if it's cold outside. If you can't get outside, get a plant.


Exercise at least 3 times a week for 45 minutes or more consecutively. Exercise has been proven to be just as effective as antidepressants. You'll be more energetic, less likely to get sick, and think more clearly. People who exercise regularly have better memory retention, quicker thinking and more creative ideas at every age.

Spend your money on experiences, not on things. Taking a friend out to a movie, going to a concert or gallery opening, or even eating dinner at a great restaurant all have longer lasting satisfaction than buying yourself a new shirt or a lamp for your house.

Do something at which you excel. Everyone has a talent, whether it's drawing, beating everyone at checkers, telling a great story or even baking a great chocolate chip cookie. Doing something that exemplifies part of your character is even better. I love art, so I take time every week to watch a film or go to a gallery and discuss the strengths of the piece and how it comes together with a friend.

Try employing just one of these easy tasks a few times a week, and then add more, and you'll discover how simple finding peace and satisfaction can be. Happy Trails!