Magic of happiness

Happiness is an inside job. Your health is affected by many things. But scientific studies tell us that keeping in touch with family and friends and close relationships has the greatest protective effect on health. So reach out to friends. Maintain close bonds with your family. Plan to meet and enjoy the wonder of life. Get off your chair — walk. Move your body to music when you watch TV. Go out into the garden. Plant seeds, prune the plants. Enjoy the sunlight and fresh air. This will boost your metabolism and enhance your mood. Exercise should be part of your daily life.

Make your environment clean and calm. Get rid of clutter. Clear your office table. Give away what you don’t need. Enjoy the happiness of the recipients. Simplify your life. Plan fun events in the future. Anticipating happy events improves your day: A book to read, a play to watch, a friend to meet...

Happiness is a God-given right. Contentment is the path to true happiness. Studies show that, ‘Conservatives are twice as likely to be happy. Those married with stable families are happier. Religion makes people 82 per cent happier. Optimistic, productive people are more likely to be happy.’

Nuts like almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts create higher level of serotonins in the brain. Now serotonin convinces your brain that you feel wonderful, even if you don’t have any obvious reason to. Also, studies show that happiness leads to a long life, health resilience and good performance.

Finally, HOPE: help one person everyday. The best way to reach for happiness is to make others happy, especially if the person can’t do anything for you.

Being happy is good for the world. Happy people spread their feelings like fragrance around them. So be happy. It is good for your world.

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras

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