HEALTH
Studies reveal that happiness is 50% genetic, 50% learned. So, you don't need to inherit a fortune, be the CEO of a company, or find a soulmate to be happy. iTALK dips into a new book that tells you how to stay happy for no reason, no matter what's going on in your life
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Actor Rani Mukherji can't quite hold back that grin at a watch brand promotion. |
Here's a quick peek into what the book holds, in case you don't have the time to flip through its 300-odd pages.
1. Remember, you are the owner of your happiness
>>Accept the fact that you are the one who owns your happiness. Being happy is up to you, and you have the power to be happier by changing your habits.
>>Stop complaining. Complaining directs all your energy towards negativity.
>>Respond like an ultimate victor, no matter what. Face every situation in life with courage and don't give up till you achieve it.
2. Don't believe everything you think
>>Question your thoughts. When you get into the habit of questioning your thoughts, you will find that you don't have to try and push your thoughts away. A time comes when they simply lose the power to upset you.
>>Drop the excess baggage of your thoughts by sharing them with someone, or jotting them down. The pen represents your thoughts and feelings, while the hand is your awareness.
3. Let love lead
>>Wish well for others, no matter how rude they have been to you. When you're standing in a long queue, instead of fuming, try and think good of the people standing with you.
>>Love and fear are two emotions that rule your heart. Feelings and appreciation create coherence, while sadness and guilt create incoherence.
>>Deny, ignore or sugar coat your painful feelings and lean into a thought that makes you feel better and on the top of the world.
4. Make time for your inner self
>>Sometimes doing nothing can bring you everything. Just lose yourself in the stream of thoughts and figure out the situation.
>>Ever say Yes, Never say No, is a winning formula. Learn to respond enthusiastically and positively to the opposite person.
>>Don't try to gain control over everything in life. Trust the underlying benevolence and let things flow casually.
5. Cultivate nourishing relationships
>>See the world as a family. Focus on characteristics that link you to people, rather than differentiate.
>>While talking to a negative person, keep the expression neutral and use body language that's opposite to what he/she is using.
>>Create your happiness dream team. When two or more people come together for a common goal, it can be achieved quickly and easily.
6. Turn your career into a calling
>>Look for ways to turn your job into a career, and your career into a calling. Change your present circumstances to feel more inspired by your purpose.
>>Your desire to make a difference can influence routine decisions. You don't have to be wealthy to make generous donations. It can even be an exchange of time, interest and concern.
7. Make your body happy
>>Eat a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods. It will lead to fewer visits to the doctor and a healthier life.
>>Being dehydrated is a big no-no for happy cells. So keep the water flowing into your body.
>>Banish white sugar. It leads to addiction and depression, and is a biggest happiness destroyer.
>>Starchy foods like pasta and pastries constantly alter your mood and energy levels. So curb the carbs.
>>Kick the caffeine since it blocks the transmission of brain chemicals. Drink decaffeinated green tea, instead.
>>Get enough rest since sleeping is nature's way of recharging your batteries.
>>Practice deep belly breathing, especially when you are stressed.
>>Find out if your hormones are in balance to see whether your body will benefit from a fast.
>>Listen to your body's wisdom by checking in regularly through visits to the doctor.
For more tips on how to stay khush, pick up Marci Shimoff's Happy For No Reason, available at all leading bookstores for Rs 624
