There are, at minimum, 20 techniques to make the pursuit of happiness a little easier.
At least that's the idea behind Time's Special Report on the subject. It seems that the latest science (and apparently, it is a science) is focused on ways to be happier as a whole, rather than on how to fix problems like depression, anxiety, and such. In other words, what factors enable us to thrive, flourish, and insist that the glass is half-full.
Each of the 20 ways to be happier is explored on their site. The techniques they mentioned were based on the International Conference on Happiness and Its Causes.
A lot of them are no-brainers, such as: "Move your body," (tip #5) "Smile," (tip #19) "Laugh big," (tip #6) "Do something nice for someone else," (tip #7) and "Snog. Canoodle. Get it on" (tip # 3). Oh, and money doesn't hurt either (tip #8).
But there are also a few concepts which may not be as obvious as those. For instance, "Tell your story to someone" (tip # 14).
Telling stories, it seems, does two things to boost our emotions. First, it allows our memories to filter out negative aspects of the story, while retaining and re-framing the positive points. Second, telling a negative or embarrassing story to several people lessens the sting. (Although, I can think of a few embarrassing stories that would make very unhappy if I broadcast them.)
Another was "Identify with your heritage" (tip #10). Apparently, people are less stressed and happier when they appreciate their culture and feel a kinship towards their ethnicity.
Also new to me was "Play the part of an optimist," (tip #12) which posits that optimism is a learned skill. We can cultivate an optimistic streak in three distinct ways: Stand up straight (no kidding), speak in a cheerful, upbeat tone, and use happier words (as in, losing your job is such a great way to find time to smell the roses).
In the same vein is "Use happy memories as a guide," (tip #11) which means that we're happier when we base decisions on good memories, rather than bad ones.
Overall, if happiness experts are willing to zero in on a list of way to make me smile, I'm happy to try to it out.
I have to say, the idea that happiness is largely within our control makes me pretty happy in itself.
Interests: Indie Crafting, Art, Astronomy, Physics, History, Eco-Friendly, Computer Graphics, Sewing, Knitting, Drawing, Macrame, Painting, Spinning,Book Binding, Screenprinting, Electronics Tinkering, Web Design, Books about my interests, Coffee, Travel, Black Tea, Cooking, Corduroy, Wool Felt, Ribbons, Vintage Patches, Collecting Sanrio paraphernalia, Boondoggle, Zines
Inspiration: Carl Sagan, Jim Henson, and Tori Amos.
Based on this report it looks like I have to work at making my own happiness. Some of these seem relatively easy to accomplish. Tip #8, make more money, may be a little more challenging as I work at a University that is governed by Unions and raises don't come easily. Guess there's always the option to get a second job......
People "try" to hard to find happiness. When really you are relaxed, passionate about something and focused on the now -- that is when happiness finds you. I wrote an article on it...
http://allisonwincabral.blogspot.com/2007/07/let-happiness-find-you.html