10 great ways to be happy with yourself

10 great ways to be happy with yourself

via Domain by Michelle Guerrere

Let’s be honest. Figuring out how to be happy with yourself in the moment can be a bit of a struggle. I personally find myself always thinking I’ll be happy when…and then begin focusing on achieving those goals. Although there is nothing wrong with trying to make yourself happier, we should be cultivating our current happiness, too. This slight obsession we have with figuring out our own happiness may be due to the fact that we’re bad at it—or at least that’s what some research says.

“We aren’t always particularly good at it, and we seem to be getting worse,” says Sherry Benton, Ph.D., who has more than 25 years of experience in counseling psychology and is also the founder and chief science officer of TAO Connect.“According to the 2017 World Happiness Report, the U.S. has dropped from third to 13th among countries over the past 20 years,” Benton explains.

What’s interesting is that some of the things that we think may make us happy actually won’t do so long-term. Based on scientific research conducted over the past 40 years, Benton says that most of us need a basic level of financial security and stability to be happy. But beyond that, making more money doesn’t necessarily add to our happiness.

“Things like raises, promotions, new houses, or other new possessions feel good for only a few fleeting moments, but they have no long-term benefits,” the expert tells us. So then, what tends to push the needle when it comes to happiness? Family, friendship, social connections, pursuing new experiences, and fostering gratitude and compassion are some. “Real happiness is not a destination—it’s a journey,” Benton tells us. “We experience happiness in the here and now, from the choices we make in our daily lives.”

With this idea in mind, we asked Benton to help us round up 10 ways for you to be happy right now. Keep reading and then get started.

10 Ways to Be Happier Right Now

1. Pursue new experiences, rather than new things. Forgo buying material things. Rather, favor experiences. Book vacations, take fun strolls in the park, purchase tickets to concerts or unique performances. “Go someplace new or do something new,” Benton suggests.

2. Meditate regularly. Not only is this activity helpful in reducing anxiety and depression, but it will also help keep you grounded. And did we mention its health benefits? “Mindfulness meditation for just 10 minutes per day can lower blood pressure and pain levels,” says Benton.

3. Make a daily gratitude list. We become more satisfied when we focus on what is good and right. “Take time to turn off your steady stream of negative and worrisome thoughts each day,” the expert says…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE