Happiness Rocks…
Happiness is the ONE trait that can positively transform your work and health more than any other.
What is Happiness?
There are two types: eudaimonia and hedonia. Eudaimonia is a sense of well-being that comes from having a sense of purpose and meaning. Hedonia is associated with pleasure and self-gratification.
Happiness improves your work.
We’ve all been taught that overcoming struggle and hardships is the way to succeed at work, but the truth is that happy people earn more for themselves and their employees. Compared to unsatisfied workers, happy employees have 31% higher productivity, 37% more sales, and are 40% more likely to receive a promotion (“The Happy Secret to Better Work,” Shawn Anchor).
Happiness improves your health.
More than 200 studies found that positive psychological well-being is linked with a lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, normal body weight, and healthier blood fat profiles (Dr. Joseph Mercola). Happiness can even alter your genes… UCLA researchers found that people with a deep sense of happiness had lower levels of inflammatory gene expression and stronger antiviral and antibody responses.
How to be happier…
Genes and environment WILL define your happiness unless you make a conscious choice to change your mindset and habits. Here are 3 simple tips if you want to make happiness a habit.
- Build your tribe. Identifying with a close knit, supportive community alleviates stress and adds meaning to our lives. Research suggests that close relationships may even prolong our lifespan! Do your best to check in with close friends at least twice a month.
- Practice gratitude. Thankfulness should be an everyday practice. Studies shows that a gratitude journal can have a positive impact on happiness. Plan a time each day when you allow yourself to take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Every night before I fall asleep, I think of three great moments of the day that I am grateful for.
- Be productive at a comfortable pace. Being rushed causes stress and unhappiness. Instead, find a happy medium between free time and work. This will require you to develop a criteria for taking on new projects.The rule I use (most of the time) when deciding if I want to take on a task that I’m not obligated to do is this: “If it’s not a HELL YEAH, then it’s a no.” In other words, if I’m not excited or committed to the non-mandatory opportunity presented to me, then I turn it down.
I got a new gratitude journal!
These 3 tips presented above are not new, but they are certainly helpful if you want to upgrade your happiness. I’d love to hear your tips in the comments section! Thank you for reading the blog.
