TOP 5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HAPPINESS
According to Deepak Chopra, M.D., bestselling author and co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellness, “Purpose gives you fulfillment and joy, and that can bring you the experience of happiness.” Although there is no magic bullet to give you that “something more” in your life, there are promising paths you can take in your search.
1. Have a sense of purpose at work. Find a job where you feel you are using your talents and skills and providing a good service. Even if you don’t love every aspect of your job, a feeling of accomplishment — and, most importantly, a paycheck — can give you an ongoing sense of purpose.
2. Make a bliss list. Make a list of things you really enjoy doing and start to work your way through it. Increase the positive, deliberate choices you make every day. For example, if you like to read, set aside just half an hour a day, four times a week to do so.
3. Find your flow. Identify and immerse yourself in rewarding activities that you enjoy doing. These types of activities give you a sense of freedom, excitement,
fulfillment and skill.
4. Focus on the good stuff. There are plenty of frustrations that affect each of us every day. Enjoy the things in your life that bring you true bliss, like playing with your kids or your pets, savoring a cup of coffee, taking a sunset walk, or talking to a good friend.
5. Nurture close, long-term friendships. Having social connections is one of the most important factors to enjoying a long and happy life. The most beneficial relationships are those that you nurture with close, long-term friends. So, the next chance you get, call up your best friend, grab a beer or a glass of wine, and just talk.
IKIGAI
Okinawans maintain a sense of purpose throughout their lives, whether it is tending to their crops or taking care of their grandchildren. This reason they get up in the morning is what they call "ikigai." So find your ikigai and live to 100!
Only 20% of how long you live is determined by your genes, the other 80% is in your hands.
