With hundreds of self-help books published and research conducted on happiness, it is undeniably one common life goal for us human beings. While there are several means and ways to be happy, those considered as sustainable are the ones that take into account one's well-being as well as that of others. Here are three things that lead to sustainable happiness. 1) Close, supportive relationships No man is an island. People in general have a deep need to belong, which is satisfied by close, supportive relationships. Those supported by intimate friendships or committed relationships are much more likely to declare themselves very happy. You need to go out and make an effort to meet with friends and family and see people. 2) Positive thinking habits and mindfulness Optimism, self-esteem, perceived control, and extraversion also mark happy experiences and happy lives. This means valuing yourself and keeping the mindset that you have control over the events the happen in your life than simply relying on fate and serendipity. Practicing gratitude and appreciation leads to positive emotions and better well-being. Develop the habit of feeding your senses and savouring good things right at the moment - may it be the taste of a fresh fruit or chocolate cake you are eating, that beautiful view of the sunset, the laughter of friends or family in the middle of dinner, the smell of your morning coffee, or the warmth of your parents' hug. 3) Flow No, this is not a girl's monthly visit. A term coined by Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who is an expert on happiness and creativity, it is the optimal state when we lose consciousness of self and time while being absorbed in an activity. Research has proven that work and leisure experiences that engage one’s skills mark happy lives. Between burnout or the anxiety of being overwhelmed and stressed and boredom which is the apathy of being underwhelmed and bored lies a zone wherein people experience flow. A challenging yet attractive task is more satisfying than an easy but uninteresting job. Studies show that people report greatest enjoyment not when mindlessly passive but when unself-consciously absorbed in a mindful challenge. In fact, the less expensive (and generally more involving) a leisure activity, the happier people are while doing it. More people reported happier talking to friends than watching TV. Low-consumption recreations prove more satisfying. Choose activities that do not cost a fortune but keeps you engaged. So, that’s good news. Those things that make for a genuinely good life - close relationships and social networks, positive thinking habits, engaging activity – are enduringly sustainable. The best things in life are free.
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LifestyleArticles that aim to help you with day-to-day problems. About the AuthorA psychologist who is always mistaken to be a psychic. Archives
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