Happiness

After looking around idealist.org for a bit, I found a great link to “10 Things Scientists say Will Make you Happy.” Instead of leaving the study of happiness to philosophers, psychologists and researchers have been digging up data. Researchers studied how things like money, attitude, culture, memory, selflessness, health and daily habits affect our happiness. Emerging psychological studies are showing that your actions have a significant effect on your happiness and satisfaction in life. Below are the ten ways to make you happy along with what I think.

1- Savour everyday moments
My favourite part of the day is usually the walk to and from school. It gives me a chance to let my mind wander and think about what happened in the day. I let things slow down for just a bit to prepare me for the rest of my day.

2- Avoid Comparisons
I find it really hard not to compare my work to others in class, but when I am able to it makes me less stressed about my work.

3- Put Money low on the List
Luckily I made enough money with my summer job and current part time job that money isn’t something I need to worry about, conversely I know some of my friends have to be very careful with their money, adding another stressor to college life.

4- Have Meaningful Goals
Currently my biggest goal is doing well in school, and making it through eval. However one of my other goals is spending more time with friends and family. While these two goals kind of work against each other, finding balance to accomplish both has made this year much more successful than last.

5- Take Initiative at Work
My role at the Student Life information desk became much more fulfilling when my boss encountered me with a project. While window painting can be somewhat tiring, I enjoyed watching my project evolve and am very proud of the final product. By showing initiative I found satisfaction at work.

6- Make Friends, Treasure Family
As I’ve gotten older, I have realized just how important my family is. Even if they drive me nuts, they are the ones who will always be on my side. The same goes for my good friends, time has shown who will be there for me when I need them most.

7- Smile Even When you Don’t Feel Like It
Even if you aren’t having the best day, trying to put a positive spin on it can’t hurt. People are always complaining; if they instead tried to solve the issue, they would generally be happier.

8- Say Thank you Like you Mean It
While I don’t keep a gratitude journal, nor write thank-you letters, I do think about the nice things people have done for me. They are the people I remember most fondly and am most likely to go out of my way to be nice to.

9- Get out and Exercise
When I get really stressed, the best solution I have found is getting out of my house or classroom and doing something active. Whether it be a walk around the block or an hour at the gym it helps to clear my mind and give me fresh perspective on what I’m doing.

10- Give it Away, Give it Away Now
Helping someone or giving something away gives you a “helping high.” It is said that it is better for your health than exercising or quitting smoking.