How do you measure your happiness? Is it by the money you make, the job you have, or by the respect of family and friends? Whatever you use as a yardstick, it is by your own choice as you are the person who controls your life. If you have failed to achieve happiness, it is because you have chosen to do so.
Having money and material possessions may not equal happiness. There have been many people who appear to have everything yet the one thing that escapes them is happiness. Even if they are happy with what they own, they may be miserable in their job or personal life. The reality is that no matter how much wealth, status, or possessions you have, they don't generate happiness. Happiness is a choice.
Happiness is an Individual Dynamic
One of the dynamics that makes each person unique is their concept of particular issues. One of these is the concept of happiness. Some people are happy doing things that many of us would shy away from. Some find happiness in the simplest of things.
Happiness is therefore something that only you can define for yourself. It is something we all find in our own way and is a natural high that you deserve to seek and find. Don't listen to people who tell you that you are crazy for finding happiness in certain things as this is your uniqueness.
Why are some people naturally happy?
It is true that some people seem to have a naturally happy disposition and there are beliefs that this can indeed be genetic. However, it doesn't mean you are naturally gloomy either. Your happiness may be predisposed by genetics but it is not a rigid and determining factor.
If you are a sad and depressed person, you can change how you feel and the way you think so that you can find happiness. This requires changing your thought patterns and the things you do that keep you in your dark place. There are things you can do daily to raise your level of happiness, allowing you to gradually increase your overall cheerfulness.
What part does sleep play in happiness?
Adequate sleep is crucial if you want to be a cheerful person as it is necessary for your body to function efficiently. Lack of sleep makes you irritable and moody. You cannot think clearly and this makes you tired and unhappy. This doesn't just mean getting enough hours of sleep but enough restful sleep.
Adequate restful sleep is essential for maintaining total wellbeing. Sleep can actually be the overall cause of your unhappiness. Insomnia or other poor sleeping patterns leave you drained and miserable.
The Link Between Happiness and Exercise
Exercising releases a hormone called endorphins which are responsible for the feelings of happiness. As well as being good for your overall health and wellbeing, exercise makes you feel good. It isn't necessary to do an extreme workout every day but just going for a walk can be enough. This is exercise for happiness not for weight loss.
Meditating for Happiness
Many people think that meditation is some weird new age concept related to cults and that it isn't right. However, this is a misconception and they are missing out on something that may be just what they need in their life. It is one of the most effective ways to change how you feel. Scientific evidence would suggest that it creates left side brain activity which generates a positive emotion such as happiness in the body.
