The Key To Happiness

Via: DegreeSearch.org

Leo Tolstoy once said “If you want to be happy, be.” If only it were that easy, Mr. Tolstoy!

Psychologist Paula Davis-Laack says she’s observed thousands of people in a wide variety of settings and has compiled a list of what happy people do differently.

You can read her full article here, but below is a quick summary.

What happy people do differently:

1. They build a strong social fabric.Happy people stay connected to their families, neighbors, places of worship, and communities.
2. They play to their strengths.One size does not fit all when it comes to happiness strategies. Happy people engage in activities that fit their strengths, values and lifestyle.
3. They practice gratitude. Research suggests that the character strength of gratitude is a fairly strong correlate with life satisfaction.
4. Think like an optimist. Happy people “embrace the suck” and understand that while the ride might be bumpy at times, it won’t last forever.
5. They help other people. Happy people know it’s good to do good, and help others by volunteering their time.
6. They know that material wealth is no the key. Happy people have a healthy perspective about how much joy material possessions will bring.
7. They develop healthy coping strategies. Happy people will encounter the same stressful life adversities, but they look for ways to grow from their challenges.
8. They focus on health. Happy people take care of their mind and body and manage their stress.
9. They cultivate spiritual emotions. Authors Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener explain in their book Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth that spiritual emotions are essential to psychological wealth and happiness because they help us connect to something larger than ourselves.
10. They have direction. Working toward meaningful life goals is one of the most important strategies happy people utilize.