Happy Thoughts

Just think happy thoughts and you’ll fly -J. M. Barrie

This quote from Peter Pan is so heavy with wisdom. Happiness indeed is the mindset for your journey, not a result of your destination. Everyone strives for happiness, be it the ones sipping black coffee in their mansions or those struggling to make the bare minimum. It is a goal of everyone’s life. All of us want happiness and I’m sure not many crave pain. The catch, however, is that there are no rainbows without a little rain. We are bound to have days where being happy is just not possible. I’m writing this blog for those days. Remember happiness comes in waves, it will find you again. Perhaps even knock you out with its force!

One interesting observation that caught my attention is how even the tiniest of negative things may paralyze us. This is due to the “negativity bias” that we possess. Also called the negativity effect, it is the notion that negative things (unpleasant actions, thoughts or social interactions), even when of equal intensity leave a greater effect on an individual's psyche. For instance, if a person compliments your dressing style and another person calls it tacky, you are more likely to remember and get effected by the latter. We can say that happiness is also governed by our genes or biology. Given that it's not impossible to kick this bias out.

You can train your brain to think more positively. Here are some ways to do that!

Think Positive:

Positivity equals happiness. Source: www.psychologytoday.com

Easier said than done, right? I’ll give you two simple exercises to work on. Firstly, every night, before sleeping, think about three good things that happened during the day, things you are grateful for. Next, whenever something bad happens, don’t jump on to making yourself miserable. Wait and think about two silver linings of the whole event. It's bound to make you feel better.

Give:

Giving equals happiness. Source: www.soulscape.uk.org

Gratitude is something I can’t stress enough on. It's possibly the most selfless way to be selfish. Research has proven time and again that giving induces positive emotions for oneself. One research suggests that doing something nice for a person can keep you happy for a week! You could volunteer, help your old neighbors, donate the clothes, books you don't use anymore or as charity begins at home try helping mom with the dishes.

Do what you’re good at:

The Mantra. Source: www.amazon.com

This stems from the idea of flow. Research suggests that when you do something you’re good at, it increases the number of happy thoughts that you think. Signature strengths refer to the things you are uniquely good at. Striving artists who use their signature strengths are happier people. So you think you dance well? Then dance as often as possible! Think about the best possible version of yourself and move in a direction that leads you to that.

Spend time with people you love/like:

Loving People equals Happiness. Source: www.theladders.com

The happiest people are those with strong and healthy relationships Not saying the lonely people are unhappy but even they have some kind of social support. Spending time with your friends saves you money! How? Well, research has concluded that time spent with friends increases happiness worth $133,000 a year. Compassion and kindness both elevate your happiness. So compliment people if not anything else. Surprisingly people like compliments more than money and sex!

Eat, Drink, Sleep:

Healthy Lifestyle equals happiness. Source: blog.thefabulous.co

Fundamentals are fundamentals for a reason. If you’re striving to be a happier person, you need to start from the most basic things. Eat a balanced healthy meal, avoid eating too much junk food(a pizza here and there can be excused, I wrote that for myself), drink 8-10 glasses of water, and most last but not the least, don’t cheat on sleep! If you lack sleep, being happy is going to get a lot harder.

Get Happy Instantly!

Is it even possible? Duh, yes! (Terms & Conditions Apply: Try with an open mind, willing to accept things for its own betterment)

So a couple of years back I had a really bad time in my life. I had failed an exam I had prepared for a very time. I felt like the biggest failure that could exist. After having struggled badly with my emotions and thoughts for about a week, a Friday came where things changed. I received a message from a good friend, that read, “ Good things are coming.”. And I didn’t know how or why it happened, I just believed it. And I continue to do so till date. Whenever something bad or very bad happens I tell myself, “Don’t worry, Good things are coming.”’ What do you think happens after that? Of course, they come, right then, a day or week later, but good things come and happiness is back! I’m going to write some really happy thoughts like these that always bring a smile to my face. I hope it does the same for you! Let's deal with our shit together!

Good Things Are Coming.

The difficulties are not permanent.

Other people are good, they are just like you.

Others went through similar experiences.

I am intelligent and capable.

I am Loved.

Everything happens for a reason and everything leads to something better.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

You can always change your view of things.

Negativity shows change is required.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Happiness is in small things.

You create a purpose in life.

Things could be much worse.

Change yourself and enjoy the change.

You are the only one you can compare yourself with.

The difficulties will pass Life will go on.

I’m grateful for_________.

You’re always the best when things are the worst.

When one door closes another one opens.

There's a bright side to everything.

Bad days happen there’s no blame or guilt.