Dr. Barton Goldsmith: 10 great tips to finding happiness

1. Reach out to others

You may have good people in your life but have been out of touch. Picking up the phone and giving old friends a call can brighten everyone’s day.

2. Remember that happiness is an inside job

No one but you can really make you happy, even though it may not feel that way at times. When I see a smile on the face of someone I care about, it makes me happy, especially if I helped put it there. As said, it’s an inside job.

3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

If you are relying on one set of circumstances or one person to make you happy, it probably won’t happen. It’s good to broaden your scope of friends and activities. Also, know that engaging in new adventures creates brain chemicals that add to your happiness.

4. Trust your gut

When we go against our instincts and it backfires, we usually feel sad. Follow your intuition and let it guide you toward people and things that will make your life just a tiny bit better. Day by day, your happiness will grow.

5. Try meditation

Most books on happiness say that meditation is key, but most people don’t know how to get started. Look for classes in your community and online — and you can also try just being nature. The idea is to allow yourself to find calm, so you can feel the good things that your fear and sadness are pushing away.

6. Organize your thoughts

Many people push away happiness when they are overwhelmed. When you keep everything in your head, it can be difficult to get perspective. Try making a list of everything that seems too big to manage on your own. You may find that most of these things are easier to handle than you’d thought, and that your list is fairly short, but if you need help with something, ask for it.

7. Stay away from people who bring you down

This may sound simple, but if you are living with people who make you unhappy, making a change can be very complicated. A family therapy session could be helpful. Many people don’t recognize that they are making life difficult for others, and in a group setting with a trained professional, they can learn to behave differently without feeling attacked.

8. Remember to look at the big picture

Most of the things that prevent us from feeling happy are minor day-to-day issues. Once in a while, we go through something major that makes everything else seem less consequential, which gives us much-needed perspective. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

9. Value your values

We all have a value system, a way we have decided to go through life, which makes us feel like a good person. When you know what works and what doesn’t, it can make your life a whole lot easier. The important thing to remember is not to lose sight of your values when life becomes a roller coaster. Keeping your values strong will help create happiness.

10. Play more

Sometimes we get so involved in problem solving that we forget to take time to have fun. You may have to block out a day for fun in your calendar. It’s good to feel a little joy every day to keep you going and growing.

We all go through difficult phases, and some people are just naturally happier than others, so try to avoid comparing yourself with others. The truth is that happiness is here for you, and using the techniques here will allow you to feel it more often.