7 ways to stop complaining and enjoy a happier life (according to science!)

7 ways to stop complaining and enjoy a happier life (according to science!)

via Inc.com by Andrew Thomas

Research shows that habitual complaining affects us mentally, emotionally, and physically. Such behavior may cause or worsen stress, sapping our energy and desire to pursue our dreams.

Above all that, it just doesn’t feel good to complain, or hear complaints. They’re negative by nature and they don’t help resolve the situation you wish were different. Complaining can also keep you from being a likable person.

If you want to start attracting and creating the success you desire, you’ll want to stop complaining. Here are seven ways to break the habit of complaining, backed by science.

Laugh

Research from Loma Linda University in California reveals that the simple act of laughter increases endorphins and sends mood-lifting dopamine to the brain. This hormone also has the power to lower stress levels by helping us process emotional responses and experience pleasure.

This solution is pretty simple: Bring more laughter into your life. As Law of Attraction advocate Steve Harvey says, “Laughter attracts joy and releases negativity.” If you allow more joy and laughter in your life, you won’t feel the pains and stresses as much. You won’t focus on them.

Whether it’s funny TV shows, comedy podcasts, or time with friends and family, there are more ways than ever to get laughing.

Try the “Rubber Band Technique”

We’ve all heard the story of Ivan Pavlov, the Russian physiologist who discovered that any activity or object he associated with food–yes, his famous bell!–would trigger the same salivation response in his dogs. What did he really discover? The power of conditioning.

You can apply this same principle to stop complaining. Put a rubber band around your wrist. When you complain about something, think about the complaint while you pull the rubber band back. Then release it so it stings the inside of your wrist.

This simple action serves as a physical and mental reminder that you’re complaining, and to reinforce the negativity around the action. It works by bringing subconscious acts into your daily consciousness. I did this when I wanted to stop my own complaining, and it worked…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE