Because women can identify and verbalize how they feel easily, they naturally know when they are happy and when they aren’t. But they may not know what truly makes them happy. The secret to being happy varies from person to person and research has shown that we may be wired for happiness by our genetic makeup. But like everything else, we can learn to create happiness by putting in some conscious effort to change the set point our genes have laid out for us.

The following are 5 strategies that contribute to increasing one’s happiness quotient:

1. Focus on things that give you purpose and meaning. In other words, participate in whatever makes you feel good, like gardening, socializing, volunteering, painting, etc. People who are involved with life, tend to be happier, because the fulfillment they feel is based on enjoyment rather than responsibility.

2. Develop the relationships that are important to you. Be with close friends and relatives. Appreciating your time together helps you relieve stress and gives you something to look forward to when you make future plans. When you are around others, you become more generous, supportive, friendly and caring, which results in greater life satisfaction.

3. Show gratitude for your blessings. Take a personal inventory of what you have in your life to appreciate all the many gifts and special rewards surrounding you. Gratitude elicits positive emotions, like joy and hope and instills a sense of genuine thankfulness.

4. Surround yourself with items that give you pleasure. Decorate your home with things you love to look at. Treat yourself to things you love to wear. Read books that teach and inspire you to boost feelings of well-being and contentment.

5. Take life less seriously. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your situation. Laugh at life’s absurdities. Complaining, whining, moping just brings more focus on what you don’t want. Therefore, develop your sense of humor by enjoying the lighter side of life and you attract more happiness into it.

Happiness is a journey and the benefits are priceless. When you’re happy you increase your health and personal well-being. You’re better able to cope with stressful or challenging situations and your level of overall satisfaction for life is raised. Joyful people have a greater life expectancy, a greater inner peace and experience more successful long-term relationships, which leads to greater overall fulfillment.

Amy Sherman
http://www.bummedoutboomer.com