Coursera - Science of well being course - Increasing Happiness

The last post was dedicated to understanding the annoying features of the mind. In this, lets discuss how to overcome that and increase our happiness levels. The following are some of the ideas recommended in the course.

Rethink "Awesome Stuff" (mitigate hedonic adaptation)

Don't invest in stuff in the first place. It doesn't continue to make us happy, and it sticks around.

Instead, invest in experiences.

Gratitude: Cultivating a sense of gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life can significantly boost happiness. Keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to reflect on things you're thankful for can make a difference.

Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness, which involves being present and fully engaged in the moment, can reduce stress and enhance overall happiness. Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep breathing, help in fostering a sense of calm and contentment.

Acts of Kindness: Engaging in acts of kindness, whether small or significant, towards others can create a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Helping someone, volunteering, or simply showing kindness in daily interactions can positively impact your mood.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins and promotes a sense of well-being. Engaging in physical activities that you enjoy can lead to increased happiness and reduced stress.

Savoring Moments: Taking time to savor enjoyable moments, whether it's a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or time spent with loved ones, can amplify feelings of happiness.

Limiting Comparisons: Avoiding excessive comparisons with others and focusing on your own progress and achievements can prevent feelings of inadequacy and enhance contentment with life.

Personally, I have experimented in a lot of different ideas. Gratitude and savouring are really effective when practised everyday. Try it out, sweeties, it will make a difference!