It’s estimated that only about 15 percent of people are born optimists.
But don’t worry. Optimism is a habit you can learn.
To raise your happiness levels:
- Strike up a conversation. Social interaction is the thing that most reliably increases people’s positive emotions, whether you're introverted or extroverted. Ask someone “what’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?”
- Choose your company wisely. Remember you ARE the top five people you spend time with. Avoid whingers, narcissists, pessimists and energy suckers. influence—and be influenced by—their friends.
- Make a joy list. List all the things that bring you joy or are fun to do. Schedule some every day.
- Give time or money to a worthy cause. Research proves that helping others makes us feel better about ourselves. Is there a local charity, or even a neighbour, who would benefit from your help or expertise?
- Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.
- Always have something to look forward to, like a holiday you are planning, or a special meet-up with friends. The secret of happiness is something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.