Scientific Formula for a Happier 2013

A Happiness Resolution for 2013?

Ever notice how everyone tells you to have a HAPPY New Year but nobody ever tells you how? Here is part of a happiness formula you can use in 2013.

Social scientists used to believe that we really couldn't do much to change our on-going level of happiness. We used to think that we all had our own individual happiness set points. Events could temporarily make us feel more or less happy or unhappy but then in a short period of time we would be back to our normal emotional set point again.

Good news! Social researchers are now finding that we have significantly more power to create lasting happiness in our life then we used to believe.

5 elements to the happiness formula that we know so far:

1. Get Connected to people and pets. People with the most positive social connections are generally the happiest and healthiest. Our relationships with our family (including pets), friends, and community matter A LOT. The more social connections you have, generally, the happier you will be.

5 simple ways to build healthy, healing social connections:

Spend time with positive happy people ? happiness is contagious. As much as possible limit your time with the kill-joys. The ones with whom you feel drained after spending a few hours with them. You know who they are. Keep in touch with old friends. Have frequent contact with those you care about. Make a conscious effort to have more meaningful conversations. Real conversations, texting doesn't count. Make efforts to add new friends to your social circle. How many new friends did you make in 2012? How many would like to make in 2013? Get to know your neighbors. Define neighbor broadly.

2. Money won't buy happiness. We all know that being poor does not bring happiness either. Not having enough money for the basics of life is extremely stressful. Money, or lack of, does effect happiness for those whose basics needs are unmet. However, once we have enough money to pay our bills for the fundamentals of survival more money does not result in more happiness.

3. Buy shared experiences instead of stuff . People who spend their time and money on doing things together report higher levels of happiness than those who buy stuff like fancy clothes, the newest gadget, a big house, or an expensive car.

4. A positive attitude and optimism are fundamental to lasting happiness. People who can see the bright side are not only happier they also live longer. With intention and effort you can change the way think. Creating this new habit is life transforming. Wisdom of the ages have taught us that our thoughts dramatically effect how we experience our life.

5. Generosity is good for us. People who give away more of their wealth, regardless of income felt happier then those who gave away less. Giving creates more happiness then receiving. Those who do favors for others feel happier than those who received favors. Keep in mind that the biggest happiness effect is created when people work together helping others. Its multitasking with connection and generosity.

Now that you know how.... go into 2013 with a plan to have a HAPPY New Year.

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Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/scientific-formula-for-a-happier-2013-309984

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