09 Jul 13 HAPPINESS PRACTICES YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW AND ENJOY BRIGHTER DAYS AS A MATURE WOMAN!

via SixtyAndMe by Sheena Nancy Sarles

How do we cultivate our happiness? Does happiness can just happen, or can we make it so? As we age, we realize that happiness is more of a choice than a random occurrence. Try incorporating some of these happiness practices into your life every day and see what results they accomplish in your life.

Give Thanks

Research by Michael McCullough, Robert Emmons, Lyubomirsky, and others has revealed the power of simply counting our blessings on a regular basis.

Their studies show that people who keep “gratitude journals” feel more optimism and greater satisfaction with their lives. Additionally, writing a “gratitude letter” to someone you’ve never properly thanked brings a major boost of happiness.

Practice Kindness

Elizabeth Dunn and her colleagues found that people report greater happiness when they spend money on others than when they spend it on themselves, even though they initially think the opposite would be true.

Similarly, neuroscience research shows that when we do nice things for others, our brains light up in areas associated with pleasure and reward. So, it seems like a good idea to show kindness to anyone – from family, to friend, to neighbor.

Give Up Grudges

Groundbreaking studies by Everett Worthington, Michael McCullough, and their colleagues exposed a truth known for centuries: when we forgive those who have wronged us, we feel better about ourselves, experience more positive emotions, and feel closer to others…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE