9 Simple Steps to Being Happier

When you think of the word "happy"...what do you think about? What makes you happy? What does it mean to you to be happy? What do you need or want in your life to be happy? What would make you happy in your life? Give it some thought please.

Now I'm not saying "happiness" is the only emotion we should strive to feel or will ever feel in life...it's inconceivable that it would be...but...I am saying we have a choice in our happiness. We can dictate our own happiness in life. Do you believe that? I do. 

Life comes with a mix of emotions and all are real...but...sometimes we get lost in the ones that bring us down in life instead of supporting us through our dreams. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever wondered what you can do to change things? Do you want to change? If you're saying yes, please give the following some consideration okay? And give thought to your life and where you want to go moving forward. The choice is yours and so are your emotions...which ones will you choose to carry you forward?

9 Simple Steps to Being Happier

The truth is, nobody walks around feeling happy all of the time. There's always going to be an ache, pain, fear, threat, or challenge. Plus, some of us are inherently happier than others based on our genetics and upbringings. However, these factors only account for roughly 60 percent of our total happiness. The other 40 percent of how happy you can be is completely in your hands, if you follow these nine simple steps:

1. Sleep and eat. These are two things that can instantly make you feel happier. When you're not running on empty, you don't feel jittery or exhausted.

2. Don't wallow in your anger. The longer you sit ruminating on how angry you are about something, the more you exacerbate your state of mind and amplify your negative feelings. Instead, voice your frustration, and then take a five-minute walk to calm down.

3. Fake it 'til you make it. Smile even when you're feeling miserable. Simply pretending to be happy causes you to behave in ways that actually make you happy.

4. Challenge yourself. Our brains thrive on dealing with the unexpected. That's why people who try new things tend to be happier.

5. Don't "treat yourself". Say no to that pint of ice cream, cigarette, or entire bottle of wine.

6. Buy some happiness. Spend money on something that will further your ability to be in contact with family and friends, promote your health, work more efficiently, eliminate stress and irritation, help important causes, or have enlarging experiences.

7. Let "good enough" be good enough. People who have an "it's good enough" mentality are happier than people who examine every micron of every option of every decision.

8. Exercise. Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters because it increases all of the hormones that make you feel better. Even a brisk 10-minute walk can change your attitude.

9. Stop nagging. Many people (especially women) think that if they cease nagging, the world will come to a screeching halt or that nothing will get done ever again. But it's just the opposite. Nagging diminishes productivity and increases your misery.

By Dr. Laura