Being happy is the most basic human need. Do you crave being happy? The parameters of considering yourself happy might be subjective and different from others. In this post, we will put ‘being happy’ into perspective and look at some action steps you can take starting today!
Every individual will be happy on a different set of conditions. This makes being happy subjective. For someone, being happy would mean being able to eat at least two meals a day. While for some one on the other extreme end of the spectrum, being happy would mean being able to own a private jet!
Let’s try to put the concept of being happy into perspective and look at it objectively. Everyone has a different baseline happiness. There is also an aspirational level of happiness where they would like to be. When the difference in the baseline level and aspirational level is minimized, one feels like they are ‘being happy’. This is true to everyone regardless of their base level of happiness.
Now we know objectively that one could feel like they are not happy because there is gap between their current baseline of happiness and the level they aspire to be at. This is clearly a perception of an individual based on their state of mind. On a good day, when you are in an upbeat mood, you start feeling happy in your current situation.
So it becomes extremely important to do small things that can keep your mood upbeat. This will make you feel happy until your actual situation really changes. This bring me to the 3 actions you can take starting today to feel happy and make your life journey more enjoyable.
1. Add a background score to your life
Have you ever watched you favorite movie scene without the background score? Try it and you will notice that it will be quite flat. Having a background score in life will greatly change your perception and mood for a situation.
Have music or tracks that you like playing in background while you go about carrying your daily chores and routine. Set the volume enough so that you can hear the music but not distract you. I usually play some music on my phone, laptop, tv or my portable speaker while I cook or wash or read everyday.
2. Have something to look forward to
You must have observed that waiting that vacation is equally exciting as much as actually being on one. Similarly, Buying a new cellphone will make you happy for a couple of days after actually buying it. But, the anticipation of buying it makes you happy for much longer, may be weeks while you are contemplating of buying it.
This feeling of anticipation or having something to look forward to inspires, motivates and energizes you. In this excited state of mind, you start feeling happy because there is something good and positive that awaits for you in the near future!
3. Start focusing on the positives
The way our brain has evolved, it is much more aware and receptive of the dangers. This naturally makes us focus more on the negatives rather the positives. Another amazing fact about our brain is that it has great capabilities. However, it is important for us to control our brain and thoughts so that we can leverage it to our advantage. If you leave it uncontrolled, it will work on it’s natural tendency to look for everything that is wrong.
So, whenever you find yourself upset or sad about something, try to find at least 5 positives out of the situation. This is put you in charge of your brain, which is like a computer. It will start following your instructions based on what you tell it to do.
Hope these three actions points are pretty simple for you to start implementing today. You will surely see a stark difference in your level of happiness. Again, it is important to understand the difference between happiness and pleasure or joy.
I wish you all the luck and stay happy! Laugh or smile more and spread the happiness around. If you are happy already, make one other person around you happy.
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