3 Simple Habits to Boost Your Happiness

There’s more to happiness than a cheerful disposition. According to research,

unhappiness breeds poorer health and decreased prosperity, while happiness can

tremendously improve life overall. Other perks include increased productivity,

financial responsibility, and decreased risk of common illnesses, and even life-

threatening cardiovascular events.

It’s not easy to feel happy all the time and this is perfectly human. However, our

happiness is often determined by simple everyday decisions and habits that have

great impact on our lives, though we seldom acknowledge them. There are many

ways that you can ensure a happier life. Here are three surprising ones that research

show can set you on this path:

Don’t suppress negative feelings

In his book Your Brain at Work, David Rock shares that people who try to

suppress negative emotion, are just as agitated as those who express it. By simply

describing your emotion in a few words or using labels like ‘jealousy’ or

‘frustration’ you calm down, and reduce feelings of fear and anger. Depending on

the fuel behind the negative emotion, don’t just lash out at whoever’s around, take

time to talk with a friend and express your feelings in a healthy way and

comfortable atmosphere. Read more on handling your anger habit.

Don’t get hung up on being perfect 

Trying to make the perfect choice—even the simplest—can leave you rattled.

Time.com reports that too much emotional activity is brought into the decision-

making process when you’re searching for perfection. To summarize, you

overwhelm your brain. This neurological activity pulls you toward negative

impulses and routines. On the flip side, making “good enough” decisions

stimulates a part of your brain that makes you feel more in control. So do yourself

a favor and choose. If you’re still having trouble grasping this concept, read this

now.

Offer someone help

Though this is more difficult on bad days, helping someone else can be a great

stress reliever. Shawn Achor, happiness researcher and bestselling author of the

book “The Happiness Advantage” shared with The New York Observer that

people who survive stress the best, are the ones who “increase their social

investments in the middle of stress, which is the opposite of what most of us do.”

His research also shows that those who do so become significantly happier, and are

40 percent more likely to receive a promotion.

When life is getting you down, fight for your happiness, connect with others, and

give without any expectations.

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