Treating people with kindness offers intrinsic and real-world positive consequences. For example, if ... [+]
Everyone is watching the same movie, but holds conflicting opinions of what it means. Optimists see the recent jobs report showing more than 500,000 new jobs were created. They are encouraged that the unemployment rate is at record lows, and employment in the United States is back to where it was pre-pandemic. Feeling confident in the future, they noticed that the stock market recouped much of its recent losses and wholesale inflation dipped in July. This week, the CDC eased Covid-19 guidelines significantly. Plans are made, as people still have plenty of time left to enjoy the summer.
Others who watched the same movie left the theater feeling depressed over runaway inflation and the high prices of gas, food, rent, automobiles and basic necessities. They are anxious about their stock portfolio plunging and spiking interest rates that will prohibit them from being able to purchase a new home. They stress out over a possible war with China and Russia and daily announcements of layoffs and hiring freezes.
Both sides are right. The difference is in how you process the events. Many folks wallow in their misery. They get caught up with the daily dramas and squabbling on social media. Their blood pressure rises and they are left feeling depressed about the present and worried about the future. With a softening economy and prices rising, you wonder if you will ever be able to retire. Parents are concerned about the quality of their children's lives. To get out of your funk, here are ways to make yourself happier.
Show Appreciation, Gratitude And Do Good Deeds
Doing good deeds for others will bring you joy and happiness. Instead of bemoaning your fate and ruminating on all the bad things in your life, try being positive. Think of all the wonderful things you have in your life. Mentally take note or write in a journal everything you are grateful for. It could be that you have a good, well-paying job that offers a sense of purpose and meaning, secured a new client or helped out a colleague finish an important project.
Offer kindness to people. Applaud and support your co-workers when they've achieved victories. If you are a boss, tell your team how much you appreciate them. Provide positive feedback and offer psychological safety for them to do their jobs without fear of retribution if they make a minor mistake.
Spend Quality Time With People
Think of how lonely you felt during the virus outbreak. One of the reasons for the surge in mental health issues during the pandemic was the lack of social interaction. People are social creatures wired to interact with others.
Treating people with kindness offers intrinsic and real-world positive consequences. For example, if a manager takes good care of their employees, they’ll be happy, treat their clients better and the business will benefit.
Offer to take out co-workers or clients for lunch or dinner. Managers can set up offsite bonding events. If you are working remotely, try to get on video calls with your team to maintain and enhance your relationships with them. Seek out both online and in-person networking events and conferences to meet new people.
Be Present And Live In The Moment
People dwell on the past and obsess over future events and hypotheticals. Rarely do they stay focused on the present moment. To change this, start by practicing a Zen mindset and appreciating the current moment in time.
Discard any excess baggage and try meditation. Before an interview or a meeting where you need to speak in front of a group of people, take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and slowly breathe out. Start using affirmations and mantras. Clear your mind and say to yourself, “I deserve this new job, as I have all the right skills, experience and background.” Repeat on a loop, “I will get this new job!”
Start working on controlling your “monkey brain.” These distracting, negative and sometimes harmful thoughts constantly race through your mind. For instance, when you interview, focus on the interviewer. That person is the only one who exists at the moment. Don’t worry about past interview blunders or what trick question will be asked next. Be present in the here and now.
Work On Your Happiness Every Day
Work on your happiness each and every day. Make it part of your daily routine, like taking a shower and brushing your teeth. Don’t be derailed by a few bad days. Emotions are not permanent. They are fleeting and can be moderated.
Substitute negative thoughts with positive self-talk. Don’t compare yourself to others. The only person you should compare yourself to is who you were the day before. Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk. Your inner monologue should treat you kindly. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. When a toxic thought arises, you don’t have to give into it. Let it dissipate without having it ruin your mood.
Allocate time to improve yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Eat healthily, exercise, avoid overindulging in alcohol or drugs and get a good night’s sleep. Go for long walks. Practice Yoga. Take a long bike ride in the park. Read books, listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos that are uplifting.
Happiness Leads To Better Opportunities
Showing gratitude and appreciation, building a social network, being present in the moment and challenging negative self-talk will help you become happier. Your improved mood will resonate with the people at the office and your family. You’ll notice that your co-workers and bosses will treat you better and offer new opportunities. That’s because they want positive and happy people around, as they are good influences on the organization. Promotions and job offers will come your way. The positive flow will encourage you to keep up your practice of being happy as you see the results. It will also impact everyone around you, improving their lives.
