Hello Jacksonville, Dr. Chris Renne here. For today’s blog post I wanted to step outside my usual boxes of chiropractic and physical medicine and talk about… happiness! How can someone make themselves happy?
Now, you might think that this is a question for philosophers, not medical providers, but in recent years science has started trying to figure out what it is that makes happy people tick. No, no one has come up with a ‘happy pill’ yet, but experts have identified a few key traits that most happy people have in common. Most happy folks, it turns out, have cultivated five unique skills: they are able to savor the moment, thank those that matter to them, aspire to meaningful goals, give generously of themselves, and empathize with others.
Let’s take a look at each of these ‘happiness skills’ in a little more detail!
Savoring the Moment
How much of your day do you spend rushing around, thinking about what you have to do next? Experts say that happy people focus their attention on the present moment, and that doing so helps them reduce stress and negative thoughts. Here is a simple way to practice being ‘in the moment’: every time you sit down, exhale five long, slow breaths. As you do so, think about your inner experiences since the last time you did your five long, slow breaths that day. Use these moments to refocus, collect yourself, and relax.
Thanking Those Who Matter
It’s easy to focus only on the things in your life that need fixing. An attitude of thankfulness can make you mindful of the good stuff in your life instead of just the bad stuff. Who can you thank for making your day a little bit better? Don’t forget to be thankful for the little things too - a sunny morning, a fluffy pet, a pain-free day - even when no-one in particular is responsible. Focusing on the good things in your life will improve your mental outlook.
Aspiring to Meaningful Goals
It can be easy to get stuck in dead-end thinking in which you believe nothing about your life will ever change. Replace this negative mindset by giving yourself goals that have specific, achievable steps. Checking off the steps towards a goal feels rewarding and exciting, and it will help you take a proactive attitude towards your life. The key is to pick goals that will be meaningful and rewarding to you, but are achievable.
Giving Generously of Yourself
When life is challenging, thinking of others may not be the most obvious solution; but experts find that many happy people practice volunteering their time and talents no matter what they are going through. Doing this can help you see what other people have to offer and give you a fresh perspective on your own problems. Plus, it will lift the spirits of those you help as well as your own, so it is really a win-win!
Empathizing With Others
Empathy could be defined as the ability to understand and respond to another person’s unique feelings and experiences. While you might think that this is something that some people are simply able to do naturally, it can in fact be learned and practiced. The first step is to communicate with others and try to understand their point of view. By focusing your attention on the needs of others, you can break out of a self-focused mindset and improve your relationships. Experts say that the development of empathy is one of the most important skills for personal and professional success.
How Will Your Pursue Your Happiness?
So how can you start making yourself a little happier? Maybe start with those goals! What about setting yourself a goal to do thirty minutes of moderate exercise three times a week? Or eating healthier, fresher foods? Or practicing mindfulness breathing exercises? Whatever you do, I hope you find happiness and contentment.
Yours in health,
Christopher B. Renne, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
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