12 May How To Rapidly Increase Your Happiness Level Today
via Forbes by Nancy F Clark
When Things Get Better. . .
Have you recently been thinking, “When things get better then I’ll get happier?” I bet there’s a good chance you’ve been thinking that, under the current situation. And I don’t blame you, but don’t you think a little bit of your happiness level is under your control? You might guess 5% or 10%. Is that right? I have good news for you because up to 40% of your happiness level is under your control.
The world situation, your life situation, and your family genes are a big combo of possible downturns. But it’s only 60% of it. So I intend to start helping you take control of that other 40%. Isn’t that the best news you’ve heard all month?
3 Quick Things
I’m going to give you 3 things to do to quickly increase your happiness level. In an upcoming article I’ll give you some more. My plan is for you to build your potential happiness. Ah, “potential” brings up my scientific background—and geek humor. And because of that I promise to give you links to scientific research that shows which things really do work—increasing your happiness level.
Happiness Assignment #1
The first thing I want you to do is write down 3 things that bring you gratitude. Now when I said “write” I meant to actually pick up a pen and write on paper because this activates additional parts of your brain and helps assimilate it better. Yes, it’s better than your phone. It activates the RAS part of your brain. Let me explain.
When you are writing something down with a pen, you’re stimulating an area at the base of your brain known as the reticular activating system. The RAS gives more attention to what you are currently focusing on. In other words, the physical act of writing triggers your brain to pay close attention.
Now here’s your writing assignment. Write about 3 things that have happened to you in the last 24 hours that have generated a positive, grateful feeling. Make each one specific as to how it affected you. Put in as much detail as possible about the situation. What words best describe the emotions you felt? Here are some examples: contentment, friendliness, enthusiasm, joy and love…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE