How to Be Happy

Happiness comes from within; it is a state of mind that is not dependent on external circumstances or the opinion of others. While it is nice to be successful and popular, neither is essential for happiness. Read on to learn how to be happy!

Introduction

While you may not be able to control many things in your life, you can take charge of your state of mind. If you want to be happy, you can take actions that will improve your mood.

Step 1: Consult Your Doctor or Talk to Someone

Surround yourself with good friends (Creative Commons photo by MikeSchinkel)

If you are consistently feeling sad and blue, or seem to react more intensely than others to life's vicissitudes, consult your doctor to make sure there is nothing medical causing your moods. Depression is a medical condition that can be treated. It's also good to talk to people, as sometimes letting yourself vent anything that makes you upset, will in turn make you feel happy simply by getting it off your chest.

Step 2: Take Care of Yourself

While physical health is not essential to happiness, being sound of body can make it easier to fully experience all that life has to offer. Get plenty of rest, exercise, eat a healthy diet, and take steps to reduce stress.

Step 3: Have a Purpose

Have a purpose that revolves around something other than yourself. In order to be truly happy, you need to give of yourself to others. Whether you find your purpose in church, art, a political or social cause, work, or family, you need to look beyond yourself for meaning.

Step 4: Accentuate the Positive

Develop a circle of positive affirmative friends; avoid negative people who spread discontent and discord. Read uplifting books, and watch movies with positive messages. Surround yourself with people you love.