Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know that I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression and have written articles and books about the subject. In my free time, I try and help people who are struggling with similar issues and provide them guidance and hope.
With this in mind, I was very interested in a recent article that shares the science behind happiness. Within the article, he shares thoughts from Kate Bratskeir, a researcher on happiness, that I thought would be good to highlight for any of us. Some of these are similar to what I outline in both my book, Discovering Light: 12 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety and Depression without Medication and a similar article I wrote a few years ago. Below are 10 of Kate’s findings on how to become a happier person:
Ten things that supremely happy people do
1. Happy people surround themselves with other happy people. Joy is contagious. People are four times more likely to be happy in the future with happy people around them.
2. Happy people try to be happy. When happy people don’t feel happy, they cultivate a happy thought and smile about it.
3. Happy people spend money more on others than they spend on themselves. Givers experience what scientists call the “helper’s high.”
4. Happy people have deep in-person conversations. Sitting down to talk about what makes a person tick is a good practice for feeling good about life.
5. Happy people use laughter as a medicine. A good old-fashioned chuckle releases lots of good neurotransmitters. A study showed that children on average laugh 300 times a day versus adults who laugh 15 times a day.
6. Happy people use the power of music. Researchers found that music can match the anxiety-reducing effects of massage therapy.
7. Happy people exercise and eat a healthful diet. Eating a poor diet can contribute to depression.
8. Happy people take the time to unplug and go outside. Uninterrupted screen time brings on depression and anxiety.
9. Happy people get enough sleep. When people run low on sleep, they are prone to feel a lack of clarity, bad moods, and poor judgment.
10. Happy people are spiritual.
Those of you who have read my book and articles know of the ways that have helped me with exercise, relaxation, spirituality, etc. and all I can say to this list is Amen!
I worked out this morning and my back is a bit sore, so when I saw #6 and massage therapy I got excited for the massage I’m going to get this Saturday!
One thing that is on this list that I haven’t outlined before is spending more on others than on ones’ self. I like that one! I would take it a step further and say spending both money and time with others is important whether that’s with your kids, a friend, spouse, etc.
What are your thoughts about this list and what have you found that helps make you a happier person?
Grace for Grace 
4 comments
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November 21, 2014 at 7:21 pm
Cal
Someone said recently that bitterness or unforgiveness put a crimp in your happiness. I’ve noticed the truth of it in my life. Often, the power of Jesus is the only force that can break it.
P.S. I’ve never had a professional massage.
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November 23, 2014 at 9:32 pm
graceforgrace
Cal, I like the point you make about not letting go of bitterness. In some cases, pain is so deep that it is in our subconscious mind. In my case, I desperately wanted to forgive, but couldn’t and God led me to a source I would never have thought of on my own: Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP for short). Through prayer and that therapy, I was able to release and forgive those who hurt me at a young age.
Also, go get a massage. It will change your life (and your wallet!)
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November 24, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Doug
Want to be happy? Get out of your comfort zone and meet cool people like Aaron and Cal! Both of you have touched me and enriched my life and my faith! Thank you!
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December 13, 2014 at 7:45 am
graceforgrace
Hey Doug!
Thanks for the kind words, brother!
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