Happiness is a state of mind. It is not something that happens, nor is it the result of wealth or random occurrences. It doesn't depend on our outside circumstances. Rather, it depends on the events happening around us and how we choose to interpret them.
Therefore, it is a cultivated state of mind that each person can sustain. There is a quote by Victor Frankl that says "Don't aim at success - the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more it misses you
As in the case of success, the same applies to happiness also, which can't be cultivated by us consciously pursuing it, otherwise, it eludes us
SO HOW CAN WE BE HAPPY?
In as much as happiness eludes us if we look for it directly. Nevertheless, there is a way to find happiness.
First, by learning to be in control of our life situation we find happiness. We must be involved in every detail of our lives - good or bad - this is the way in which we can find happiness, not by searching for it directly.
Happiness should not be pursued, it shouldn't be our main focus, instead, happiness is attained by consciously dedicating our lives to a great course just as money and material wealth are attained through our skills and value.
Naturally, our lives are bound to be controlled by outside influences. Much of what we are and experience are not things we chose and have control over; We don't get to choose our appearances, families, countries, natural disasters, and the weather. Our lives are shaped by our perception which brings about our experiences, and how we interpret our experiences whether good or bad is what determines how happy we become.
On many rare occasions, we have encountered situations that shook us, but in which we took control of the situation and overcome it. During moments like that, we feel a strong sense of fulfilment and happiness within ourselves and we find ourselves wanting to experience more of such situations that make us happy and successful.
That feeling when an author completes a novel or the feeling of a musician coming on stage and seeing the welcoming cheers on the faces of the audience. Or the feeling of a proud father when his son smiles back at him. It is in moments like these that happiness is achieved.
Although we can find happiness during moments of relaxation and leisure periods. Long-lasting happiness can be found when we tend to stretch our minds and bodies to achieve something worthy. This is when we enjoy ourselves.
TIPS TO LEAD A HAPPY LIFE.
1. Do Great Work:
Happiness stems from doing something worthwhile. A study has proven that we find happiness in doing some work that is beyond ourselves. You can volunteer for a community project, do some painting, make a piece of music or dedicate yourself to a long-term project.
2. Exercise more:
It is a known fact that the benefits of exercise are unlimited. Exercise gets you in shape, builds your confidence, and ultimately makes you happy. Get a gym instructor or if you can't afford one you can be your instructor by exercising at home with the help of some apps like a workout for men.
3. Be Grateful:
The act of giving thanks goes deeper than just giving thanks. By being grateful you tend to focus on the good things going on in your life and be thankful for your blessings and all that you have. Gratitude eliminates worry and stress. Cultivate a habit of gratitude daily and before bedtime, so you can be happier as a person.
4. Smile More:
A popular quote says, "we don't smile because we are happy, we are happy because we smile". Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health
Benefits: It reduces your blood pressure and improves the immune system. You have more endurance and you feel less pain and stress.
5. Live In The Moment:
When we live in the moment, we simply focus all our attention on the now. Accepting the fact that yesterday was past and the future (tomorrow) is uncertain helps us to understand how to live in the moment. You will be happier and always cease to worry about the future because all we have is now.