The How of Happiness Song
- Expressing gratitude: Expressing gratitude for what you have, either by conversing or through writing.
- Cultivating optimism: Practising to look at the bright side of every situation and keeping a journal of the best possible future for yourself.
- Avoiding overthinking and social comparison: Using distractions and seeing the bigger picture (will this matter in a year?)
- Practising acts of kindness: Big act of kindness one day a week, or 3-5 little ones throughout the week.
- Nurturing social relationships: Set aside time to spend with family and friends.
- Developing strategies for coping: Expressive writing about painful or traumatic experiences, conversing, or thought disputation.
- Learning to forgive: Be willing to let go of anger and resentment towards one or more individuals who have hurt or wronged you, and take an empathetic view and see the actions through the eyes of the accused.
- Doing more engaging activities: Increasing "flow" experiences, increasing the number of experiences in which you "lose" yourself, which are challenging, absorbing, and keep you in the present moment.
- Replaying and savouring life's joys: Going over positive experiences through thinking, writing, drawing, or sharing.
- Committing to goals: Selecting a few significant goals that are meaningful to you and devoting time and effort to pursuing them.
- Practising religion and spirituality: Becoming involved in religious organisations.
- Taking care of your body: Exercising, meditating, and acting happy.