We all want to be happy. Since there are countless roads to this destination, it is easy to become overwhelmed at “the how” of being happy. I have listed five simple, every day steps that you can take today to increase your happiness.
- Turn off the TV – For some, this may be easiest step they can take. For others, it can be the hardest. Turning off your TV instantly decreases your exposure to violent and overly sexual images. It instantly decreases your exposure to advertisers who are trying to convince you that you are not good enough being yourself but instead need some product or service to perfect you. These are both great but turning off the TV also increases your happiness by instantly giving you more time in your day. The average television user watches a little over 4.5 hours of TV a day. If you turn off the TV, you have instantly freed that time to spend with your partner, children, or pet. You can know work on those projects that you have been putting off or just sit and spend some time alone with yourself.
- Write a letter of gratitude – A few years ago, I wrote a letter to each of my parents individually as a Christmas gift. The letters weren’t long, maybe a page and half each, but each contained things that I wasn’t comfortable saying out loud. Mostly, I thanked my mom and dad for being such good parents and acknowledged how much they had sacrificed raising my brother, my sisters and me. I gave the letters to them and left the house. They have each told me individually that the letter I wrote was one of the best gifts they have ever been given. I know they still have those letters hidden away.
- Get physical with someone you love – I am not talking sex here, although, who am I kidding, I enjoy it as much as the next guy. I mean grabbing someone you care about and trading massages or foot rubs. If you are too ticklish, sit on the couch, snuggle under your favorite blanket (or Snuggie) and talk about your day, your dreams, or your hopes for the future. Now isn’t the time to fight about who was supposed to pay the electric bill or snake the kitchen sink. Now is the time to sit, share and love.
- Get social – Let’s fact it: we all love a party! I am not saying that you should head down to your dance club, spike some E and glow stick the night away but do get out of the house. Call some friends and head out to dinner. If you don’t want to spend any money, check the local museums for free events. For example, our local art museum opens up its special exhibits for free on Friday nights. Also, check the free site Meetup.com for local clubs and similarly interested groups of people who are holding events. I have met lots of people through Meetup and, because of the nature of the service, there is no long term commitment to attend or participate.
- Stop whining and decide to be happy – Maybe this one is a cop out but, come on, if you are not happy, deciding to be happy at least puts you in the right frame of mind! Research has shown that the simple act of smiling can increase a person’s happiness. If you decide to be happy, you are putting on the proverbial rose-colored glasses and will naturally see the good in even bad events and difficult people. Remember, the only thing you can absolutely control in this world is how you react to something.
Are these actions simplistic? I don’t think so. Are they simple? Yes, and that is not a bad thing. Happiness is something that each of us deserves and any of us can achieve. We just have to work at it and why not start with the simple steps first?
Can you think of any other simple steps toward happiness?
[UPDATE: Of course, one could also wear a happiness hat...]
(Photo via AdamKR)
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Great post. Love the tips. I think decreasing TV consumption is so important. Selling our TV was such a good decision. I have more time to pursue my hobbies and I’m happier.
Thanks for the comment Tammy! I absolutely agree with you. I spent about sixteen months with no TV. I was consistently amazed at how much more relaxed I was and how much more time I had to pursue other activities. I recently moved and was given cable in my new apartment. I am already planning on having it taken out. It is a waste of money and a conduit to bring stress into your life. Once you give it up, as you did, you wonder how you ever watched it for so long but people could never believe that I didn’t have TV. Sort of “You can pry my remote control from my cold, dead fingers” kind of thing!