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Genetics May have a lot to do with the level of Happiness
Hey there,
You probably know that laughter, hope and
optimism make life more enjoyable, but some of us
seem to be wired for seriousness, sobriety and
pessimism instead.
Recent research shows that genetics may have a
lot to do with the level of happiness you
experience on a day to day basis. Some people are
naturally giggly, cheerful, and happy go lucky,
while others are a bit more somber.
However, there are still plenty of things you
can do to influence how you feel each day.
Your genetics may determine your happiness "set
point," the level of happiness that you naturally
feel, but your thoughts, choices, and actions
still determine how much time you spend above or
below that point.
In these difficult times, feeling hopeful can
seem like challenge even for natural optimists...
so here's a list of simple things you can do to
give your attitude a boost:
1. Do what you love
You already know what you enjoy doing -- if you
can find a way to make a living at it great,
otherwise consider spending time doing it as a
hobby or just for fun.
Spend one or two hours this week doing
something that you truly enjoy.
2. Make time for family and friends
Spending time with people you love and enjoy
has a relaxing and soothing effect. You'll feel
wanted, respected and loved -- critical emotional
experiences for good living.
3. Watch a good comedy
Nothing flushes away stress like a good laugh.
If you don't have time for a full-length video,
find a five-minute funny video/tv serial
4. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself
Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that
things aren't as bleak as they seem. Repeat a
positive mantra like "Today is a good day," "I'm
having fun today," "I'm a great (insert
occupation) and I do my job well," or "God works
all things for the good of those who love him."
5. Each day make a list of 10 things you are
thankful for
Try not to repeat the same things every day.
Spend a few minutes thinking about the items on
your list and realize how good you've got it.
6. Exercise
As long as you don't over-do it, exercise has
an effect similar to chocolate because it releases
endorphins, which generally have an uplifting
effect.
7. Challenge yourself
A challenge makes us alert and self aware,
which has an energizing effect mentally and
physically.
8. Be spontaneous
Whether it's going out to a movie on a whim or
wrestling with the kids in the living room, being
spontaneous and playful is exciting and
energizing.
9. Laugh daily
Laughter triggers your body to create more
antibodies and hormones that build up your immune
system.
10. Find ways to release tension and stress
If you bottle it all up, stress and tension
will eat away at you and make you susceptible to
all kinds of illness and health problems. A
punching bag or dart board with a picture of your
boss on the bullseye make great stress relievers.
11. Play games
Games get you out of your normal rut. They
allow you to exercise your brain in a
non-threatening situation and to explore new
patterns of thinking. Don't get too serious about
the games you play, they're supposed to be fun.
12. Play in the world of a child
Children are magnets for joy, creativity and
laughter. Get down on your knees and let them show
you how to play.
13. Wear something unusual, goofy or bizarre
Too often, we dress to impress. Purposely
wearing something unbusiness-like or downright
goofy can help you relax, release tension and free
yourself to just be you.
14. Reward yourself
You do great things. Rewarding yourself
encourages you to do more great things and builds
up your self-esteem.
15. Make a funny movie
Camcorders are relatively inexpensive and
everyone can think of something funny to do on
camera. It's a creative output that encourages
laughter. Post your video on YouTube or MySpace to
share with others and make them laugh too.
16. Post jokes, cartoons and funny posters around
where you can see them
These things encourage laughter and a
light-hearted spirit.
17. Reward someone else
Nothing feels better than making someone else
feel special and appreciated, even if it's just a
simple smile and "Thank You" for a job well done.
Action Exercise
Pick 3 or 4 of your favorites and DO them over
the next week.
BTW, if you want a tool that can help you take
your productivity to the next level I encourage
you to take a look at Achieve Planner. You get a
free 30-day trial so you can take it for a test
drive and decide for yourself if it will work for
you...
You probably know that laughter, hope and
optimism make life more enjoyable, but some of us
seem to be wired for seriousness, sobriety and
pessimism instead.
Recent research shows that genetics may have a
lot to do with the level of happiness you
experience on a day to day basis. Some people are
naturally giggly, cheerful, and happy go lucky,
while others are a bit more somber.
However, there are still plenty of things you
can do to influence how you feel each day.
Your genetics may determine your happiness "set
point," the level of happiness that you naturally
feel, but your thoughts, choices, and actions
still determine how much time you spend above or
below that point.
In these difficult times, feeling hopeful can
seem like challenge even for natural optimists...
so here's a list of simple things you can do to
give your attitude a boost:
1. Do what you love
You already know what you enjoy doing -- if you
can find a way to make a living at it great,
otherwise consider spending time doing it as a
hobby or just for fun.
Spend one or two hours this week doing
something that you truly enjoy.
2. Make time for family and friends
Spending time with people you love and enjoy
has a relaxing and soothing effect. You'll feel
wanted, respected and loved -- critical emotional
experiences for good living.
3. Watch a good comedy
Nothing flushes away stress like a good laugh.
If you don't have time for a full-length video,
find a five-minute funny video/tv serial
4. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself
Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that
things aren't as bleak as they seem. Repeat a
positive mantra like "Today is a good day," "I'm
having fun today," "I'm a great (insert
occupation) and I do my job well," or "God works
all things for the good of those who love him."
5. Each day make a list of 10 things you are
thankful for
Try not to repeat the same things every day.
Spend a few minutes thinking about the items on
your list and realize how good you've got it.
6. Exercise
As long as you don't over-do it, exercise has
an effect similar to chocolate because it releases
endorphins, which generally have an uplifting
effect.
7. Challenge yourself
A challenge makes us alert and self aware,
which has an energizing effect mentally and
physically.
8. Be spontaneous
Whether it's going out to a movie on a whim or
wrestling with the kids in the living room, being
spontaneous and playful is exciting and
energizing.
9. Laugh daily
Laughter triggers your body to create more
antibodies and hormones that build up your immune
system.
10. Find ways to release tension and stress
If you bottle it all up, stress and tension
will eat away at you and make you susceptible to
all kinds of illness and health problems. A
punching bag or dart board with a picture of your
boss on the bullseye make great stress relievers.
11. Play games
Games get you out of your normal rut. They
allow you to exercise your brain in a
non-threatening situation and to explore new
patterns of thinking. Don't get too serious about
the games you play, they're supposed to be fun.
12. Play in the world of a child
Children are magnets for joy, creativity and
laughter. Get down on your knees and let them show
you how to play.
13. Wear something unusual, goofy or bizarre
Too often, we dress to impress. Purposely
wearing something unbusiness-like or downright
goofy can help you relax, release tension and free
yourself to just be you.
14. Reward yourself
You do great things. Rewarding yourself
encourages you to do more great things and builds
up your self-esteem.
15. Make a funny movie
Camcorders are relatively inexpensive and
everyone can think of something funny to do on
camera. It's a creative output that encourages
laughter. Post your video on YouTube or MySpace to
share with others and make them laugh too.
16. Post jokes, cartoons and funny posters around
where you can see them
These things encourage laughter and a
light-hearted spirit.
17. Reward someone else
Nothing feels better than making someone else
feel special and appreciated, even if it's just a
simple smile and "Thank You" for a job well done.
Action Exercise
Pick 3 or 4 of your favorites and DO them over
the next week.
BTW, if you want a tool that can help you take
your productivity to the next level I encourage
you to take a look at Achieve Planner. You get a
free 30-day trial so you can take it for a test
drive and decide for yourself if it will work for
you...
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