Be Happy

You Can Be As Happy As You Want To Be

Almost everyone has heard the hit single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin at some point. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message about being happy to everyone who hears it.

Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is wonderful, and is also good for your health. Being happy actually helps to protect you from the many stresses of life. Stress is linked to some of the top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke.

You have probably heard it said -- 'The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change', and in our life we have the power to make the necessary changes if we want to. Even if we find ourselves in an unbearable situation we can always find solace in remembering "This too will pass".

We are social beings, so social networks or relationships are essential to our happiness.

It is important to remember that people are different. We need to accept people for who or what they are, avoid clashes, constant arguments, and let go of all kinds of resentments. Even if arguments are unavoidable, you have the choice to try and make an effort to understand the situation or simply walk away.

Increasing your happiness is a way to make your life more wonderful and also more healthy. To be happy is relatively easy, just decide to be a happy person. Abraham Lincoln observed that most people for most of the time can choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or dull their outlook to be. The choice is simple really, choose to be happy.

There are several ways by which you can do this.

One of these is by being greatful. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for a wonderful dinner and thank the guy who cleans your windows. Also thank the mailman for bringing you your mail, thank the policeman for making your place safe and thank God for being alive.

News is stressful, so get less of it. Some people feel they just can't start their day without their daily dose of news, but think about it, 99% of the news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does not seem to be a sensible thing to do.

A religious connection is also recommended. Being part of a religious group with its singing, sacraments, chanting, prayers and meditations foster inner peace.

Manage your time. Time is invaluable and too important to waste. Time management can be viewed as a list of rules that involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop an efficient personal time management skill.

Laugh and laugh heartily everyday. Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it. As they also say -'Laughter is the best medicine'.

Express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to keep pent up anger or frustrations, as this is bad for your health. Instead find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a feeling of being competent in finishing our tasks. Accomplishments are necessary for all of us, they give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel worthy of your time.

Learning is a joyful exercise. Learning also allows us to expand and broaden our horizons, and could also give us more opportunities in the future.

Try and learn something new everyday.

Run, jog, walk and do other things that your body was made for. Feel alive.

Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud noises, toxins and hazardous places.

These are the few simple things you can do everyday to be happy.

And always remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln, he says that, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

May you expand your BANABU experience by being happy!

Fran Watson