4 ways to be genuinely happy

We have all experienced life– the ups & downs; the grief; the joys; the desires and needs of what we think will make us happy and more.

What truly does make us happy? Do we try to do what we think will make others happy? How much of what we do is for us? Do we live in the here and now? Why do things that other people do affect us? Are you content? What do you need to achieve to make you happy? Why do we always want more?

We live in a society that really emphasizes the importance of acquiring “things”, looking a certain way, talk a certain way, acting a certain way. Have we forgotten how to be ourselves? Is this what is stopping us from being TRULY HAPPY?

This is something we grow through our lives. I have learned the following in the past 10 years.

Here are 4 Ways to Be Genuinely Happy:

1. Express Gratitude: It’s eye-opening. It’s necessary. Expressing gratitude trains our minds to believe that good things are already happening.

2. Meditate: This can mean something different to each one of us. Meditation helps to shape reactions and improve attention and self-regulation (Tang et al 2009). Just 5 minutes a day.

3. Keep Moving: When we move physically, we feel better mentally. Find an activity that brings you joy, truly, and keep moving.

4. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS: This one is my favourite. Have you ever heard the saying, “what you don’t know, can’t hurt you”? Ignore the gossip. Learn to accept what you cannot control.

We are all a work in progress. We are all human. Focus on what matters to you.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

References:

Tang et al 2009. Central and autonomic nervous system interaction is altered by short term meditation. 106(22): 8865-8870.