Practising THIS Everyday Can Make You Happier

Sharon Moore October 06, 2014

Quick, answer this – what it is that you do on a daily basis that contributes to your happiness?

If you had a hard time answering this, there must be something wrong. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people spend their days doing something to increase their money in the bank or get closer to success, but forget to spend some time finding a way to be happy. Research has shown over and over again that it’s not money, fame or fortune that gives us happiness. Just like what they say – the best things in this world are free.

If you’re looking to be happier (most likely you are), there’s one thing you can start doing today. This will not only improve your mood or give you a higher sense of well-being – it could also change your life.

Yes, that sounds like a big claim – or some form of hype. But neuroscience and psychological research can attest to its powerful, life-transforming benefits.

So what is it then?

Be grateful.

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on your life. It can also be a great weapon against anxiety and depression.

What’s in being grateful? You may ask. Being grateful requires allowing yourself to focus and experience positive thoughts and emotions more than the negative. As one author puts it, “it is impossible to be in a state of appreciation and fear at the same time”.

Increasing the frequency of positive experiences is one key to greater happiness and higher sense of well-being. Noticing what’s good about your day, your surroundings, and your life, instead of the unfortunate things that happen, is a sure-fire way to be happier.

Maybe you’re not feeling 100%, or work is inducing stress. Perhaps you got into a fight with a friend, a family member, or your significant other and wish that exchange never occurred. But by realising that there can always be gratefulness for what you do have, you will be one step closer to peace.

How can you be more grateful?

Gratitude could mean different things for different people. For some it is looking on the bright side of a setback, thanking others, thanking God, not taking others for granted, and being appreciative of what they have.

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of “The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want”, expressing gratitude has several benefits. In her research, she found that people who are grateful are likely to be happier, hopeful and energetic, and they possess positive emotions more frequently. Individuals also tend to be more spiritual or religious, forgiving, empathetic and helpful, while being less depressed, envious or neurotic.

Here are some ways to incorporate gratitude in your daily life:

Keep a gratitude journal. In Lyubomirsky’s research, it was found that keeping a gratitude journal – where you write once a week – can increase your energy, and relieve pain and fatigue. By doing this, you will realise that you don’t always need huge accomplishments to feel happy. Even the small, positive experiences like taking a hot, long shower, a dinner date with your hubby, a short walk with your dog, or a funny movie, can make significant changes in your mood and happiness level.

Give back. Recent research has shown that people who spend money on others report greater happiness than those who spend on themselves. If you’re always falling short of funds, don’t worry. Giving back doesn’t always have to be in financial forms. Give of yourself to others, including your time, available resources, support, love, and attention. People who help others tend to have higher sense of well-being. They are also more successful and earn more friends than those who don’t reach out to others.

Write thank-you letters. Robert Emmons, psychologist at the University of California at Davis, says a powerful exercise to cultivate gratitude is to compose a “gratitude letter” to a person who has made a positive and lasting influence in your life. Tell that person who has played a big role in your life. Send them a card, and express how they have helped shape your future and inspired you in ways they might not know.

Gratitude is one simple thing you can do every day to be happier and more satisfied in life. It is a gift that you can find within. So take advantage of it, and see how magically it can transform your life.