Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Great Tip Tuesday

Happiness Project


Seven tips for making yourself happier IN THE NEXT HOUR!

By Gretchen Rubin

You can make yourself happier – and this doesn’t have to be a long-term ambition. You can start right now. In the next hour, check off as many of the following items as possible. Each of these accomplishments will lift your mood, as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals.

1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.

2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.

3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.

4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule”—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood.

5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (not something you think you should read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.

6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likeable, healthy, and productive—and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well.

Feel happier yet?

36 comments:

AliceKay said...

Thanks for the tips. I should start a few of them right now. :)

Have a happy day. *hugs*

Pam said...

Great post and great tips. I need to work on that last one. I do all the others, but sometimes I'm a little grumpy. Need to remedy that.

April said...

I'm going to take every one of these to heart!♥

Paloma said...

Great tips! Thank you!

Many people think I am younger than my sister (I am 3 yrs. older)

She doesn't like it... and the other day I told her she just needs to "smile more" .... acting happy, smiling and just having a positive attitude I think are always the best "beauty secrets" :)

Paloma.

just call me jo said...

I really needed the post. I know that thinking of and doing for others improves our own dispositions. Thanks for the reminder.

Allyson said...

3000 points for me! I do a lot of these on a daily basis!! If I don't work out regularly, it's just bad. Plus I don't beat myself up for reading blogs and treating myself with book purchases. It all makes me a more enjoyable person to be around and really...that's all that matters! ;D

Deanna said...

Nice reminder. I did number 2 the minute I saw it. Even before I finished reading the tips. I've been meaning to get together with a gal I used to work with and keep forgetting to send her an email. Done!

Take care!

Deanna

Unknown said...

No fun has been had in this house for a year no wonder I am so crabby! LOL Ok gonna make it a point to go somewhere soon!

Unknown said...

Such wonderfully vital tips! I love them Jeannie! Thank you!

Kristina P. said...

These are great tips, Jeannie!

Unknown said...

Great tips! I really like the one about getting rid of nagging tasks.

Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Those are some really good tips, I really try the fake smile thing at work but after a few mean customers Ive given up after that for the day lol

Honey Mommy said...

Great advice! I exercised this morning and it always leaves me energized. Plus it always helps me to get those annoying tasks done... I did two on Monday it is has already made my week fabulous!

CyndeJo said...

All kinds of happy now!!
Great post!

Mrs. M said...

I always feel SOOOO much better when I get rid of one of those nagging tasks!!

Me said...

thanks i needed those...:)

Melissa B. said...

Thanks so much for these...I've always been a "glass half full" kinda person, and these tips will help me stay that way!

Alexis AKA MOM said...

what great tips I never thought of walking around while talking!

I love doing for others I'm the constant volunteer.

Love this post, thanks my dear!

April said...

Jeannie...what in the world happened with Yaya's blog??? I'm in complete shock! I didn't know anything about it being deleted? Do you happen to have her e-mail address? I'd like to send her a message? THANKS!

iheartbowheads.blogspot.com said...

I am so sad about Yaya's blog. Please send her my love. I too would love her email address.

Love the quotes :)

Holly

Yaya' s Home said...

Jeannie, I'm with April. I cannot imagine what happened. Well, actually, my imagination is very active and I don't like where it is going.

Yaya, if you're reading this, please know that my prayers and best wishes are with you and Josh. If there is ANYTHING I can do, please just say the word. ANYTHING.

Yaya
Yaya's Changing World

Yaya' s Home said...

Ooops! I forgot. Not the same Yaya.

Yaya
Yaya's Changing World

Deanna said...

I'm sitting here crying, imagining the unimaginable and hoping I am wrong. You and Josh are in my prayers, Yaya. Alex is especially in my prayers. Stay strong - no matter what. Stay strong.

Grand Pooba said...

I have been wondering what has been going on with Yaya! Her blog has been missing for 3 days and I can't get in touch with her.

I sure hope she's okay, we all love her but I understand she needs her privacy right now.

Love you YAYA!

AliceKay said...

I don't know Yaya very well at all, but my prayers are with her and Josh.

Anonymous said...

Hugs you tight Yaya, my heart is breaking and I will definitely pray my heart out for you and your husband and lil Alex!

Queenie, what a beautiful and thoughtful post to do for your friends :o) hugs

Tammy said...

My heart just sank reading this. Tell her I am praying for her right now. I have goosebumps knowing that what she is going through must be the hardest thing ever. Yaya...my heart goes out to you! I will keep checking back with Jeannie, please let us know if we can do anything to help!! Hugs to you and your hubby! Thanks Jeannie for sharing this with us all today.

Jill said...

I have been praying for Yaya, Josh, and Alex since I saw her blogs were deleted. Please make sure she knows how much we all care about her. She'll continue to get my continual prayers b/c I'm thinking of them so much.

Mira said...

Hi!I don't know what's going on with the fellow blogger you mentioned at the beggining of the post but I HOPE everything will turn out to be good. :)

Julie said...

Love the happy ideas... wish I had seen them earlier this week!! Thanks for the great ideas on what has been an overly rough week for me. :)

Stopping by from SITS!
Have a great day.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I need to get up and walk right now for some energy!
Prayers for your friend!

Ayelet {Jenny} said...

Hi Jeanie,
My thoughts are with Yaya and her Family. I hope everything turns out Ok for them, and I hope she can see all the love all this lovley people are sending her way X

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

I do feel happier! I need some of these tips to keep myself from getting grumpy. All of this snow is taxing on one's happiness after a while!

Word Designer said...

Jeannie,
Thank you for letting us know about Yaya and Josh. I have a very active imagination and I can only hope and pray that none of my images are what is going on. Please let them know how much we love them and we're all praying for good things for Yaya, Josh and Alex.

And please, Jeannie, let us know how we can help. Keep us up to date on what is happening, as much as you can.

Wordy
Word Designer

Tammy said...

Any new news on Yaya?? I have been praying for her.

I have a blog award for you...come take a look!

KK said...

Any news on Yaya? Praying and missing her!