Finding Happiness – 9 Tips

By Jim Mayer, Content Contributor and former Executive Director Twin Lakes Senior Living Community.

Most people equate finding happiness with health and wealth, but it’s so much more. I know some rich, healthy folks who are not happy; in fact, they are anything but.

Here are nine tips I’ve learned from the many older adults I’ve worked with over the years. This is their secret to finding happiness.

9 Tips for Finding Happiness

1. Don’t Take Things Personally

This one is the hardest for me. Unfortunately, some people you interact with are just mean. You’ll have peace of mind if you don’t beat yourself up after interacting with a negative person.

2. Focus on Expanding Your Mind

Lifelong learning is beneficial to both your self-esteem and confidence. When you learn something new, you feel better about yourself. It also encourages you to discover more.

3. Give Thanks Daily

Each day take a personal inventory of the things in your life to be thankful for. They don’t have to be big things, just anything you are appreciative of. Focusing on these things on a daily basis will keep you thinking positively.  

4. Be Genuine

Speak from your heart and be willing to stand up for yourself. It may be hard at first, but if it’s genuinely from your heart it’ll make you happy. 

5. Compliment People

It doesn’t take anything away from you to pay someone a compliment. It feels good to compliment someone.

6. Get a Regular Dose of Nature

Spend a little time each day outside. Did you know some doctors are prescribing ‘nature’ to their patients? So get outside and look at the clouds, rain, trees blowing in the wind, flowers and appreciate the beauty and miracle of life.

7. Do a Random Act of Kindness

You’ll feel a strong sense of contentment when you do an act of kindness whether for a stranger or someone you know. Do something without expecting anything in return.

8. Never Wonder ‘What If’

Learn to live with ‘what is’. If you can’t change a situation, dwelling on it will only make you sad and frustrated. Look for the positive.

9. Be as Social as You Can

People can make you happy or sad. Hang with the ones who make you happy and avoid the ones who make you sad. Happy folks can actually live longer too!

Remember, happiness is a virtue and it’s contagious. Spread happiness and it will make you smile as well as those around you.