Happiness is an emotion every single person on this planet is capable of; however, we tend to limit this emotion and underestimate its extraordinary powers. Living a happier life can increase not only daily performance and outlook on life but also long-term health. 

Everyday, we are presented with opportunities to increase our happiness and others’ happiness as well. 

Here are some simple reasons to consider living a happier life and ways to change:

Health Benefits

Happiness can increase health and improve an individual’s quality of life. There are many reasons why living a happier life is something to think about. Firstly, according to the article The Power of Positivity a simple smile when a person is feeling down can boost happiness levels. Even if this smile is completely fake it can still trick the brain into believing one is happy and release chemicals resulting in a mood increase. 

Another benefit is that smiling decreases stress, anxiety and depression. The society we live in is dependent on medication for these specific disorders. Rather than heading straight to the pharmacy, try producing a pill-less happiness. Also stated in the article The Power of Positivity, smiling even when indviduals do not feel happy can reduce stress. Additionally, trying to live a happier life can decrease and even stop depression and anxiety before the symptoms even begin to surface.

Additionally, because we are human, we all feel many emotions. There are a handful of us that do not feel comfortable sharing emotions that we are experiencing. We are told to not build up our emotions because it could put more sadness or stress onto these situations. Although this is true, there is also a larger, long-term reason that we should share our emotions according to Healthy Years. If we share our negative emotions while we feel them, the weight is lifted off of our shoulders; therefore, in the long run it is easier for us to be happy. There is no negative emotion holding us back from releasing true happiness. 

How to Increase Happiness

Happiness is beneficial to everyone’s health and well-being.

Many ways are available for people to increase their happiness whether alone or surrounded by people. 

When alone and feeling down, try a pill free dopamine. The site, The Serotonin Hack suggests that taking a long bath, listening to music and exercising are all activities that can help improve happiness. 

Another option would be to try appreciation meditation. This is something one can do almost anywhere. Start a list in mind or on paper and note things in which one feels thankful. These things could be big, or little things that happen day to day. Try being thankful for family while walking into the house. This will increase mood and attitude toward them.

One last piece of advise that is stated by Healthy Years says to stay positive as much as possible. Nothing is “impossible,” do not say “always or never.” Doing this allows for possibility. If one says that he or she can never do something it is less likely; however, if they say always, standards are too high and it does not allow space for mistakes.

While out in public, there are many ways to spread kindness that will increase both giver and receiver’s happiness levels. Something as simple as holding a door for someone or complimenting a shirt can change mood according to The Power of Positivity. Although paying for others might seem unnecessary, it actually increases the other persons’ happiness along with your own. Finally, volunteering in community is a generous thing to do; additionally, it makes individauls feel good after completing the service.

Real World Examples

The Science Behind Happiness and Positivity explained that over 200 schools in South Australia are changing their teaching principles and are using a more modern approach. This new way of teaching is meant to introduce positive thinking and target the cause of mental illness. “It’s not to say that this positive psychology approach can prevent everyone from catastrophic illness. But there is a whole bunch of other people that, if they are trained to think in a more effective way, may be able to prevent themselves from falling into some of the thinking traps that head people down toward the mental illness curve,” Director Gabrielle Kelly said. The schools explain that if children live with a positive attitude, they are more likely to be able to deal with life’s struggles.

A second time kindness was shown was through social media. The picture attached shows the comment posted by a representative for the Winnebago County Police Scanner Page after the Oshkosh West incident. It explains the importance of posting positive comments. This writer’s purpose focuses on the effect that adults have on kids. We need to think before we post and build others up instead of tear them down.

Even though we are all capable of happiness and sharing positivity many of us fail to do so. Next time feeling down, try a suggested technique. It may make individuals or even others feel a little better that day. With a little more happiness, our lives could change for the better.