Happiness: a state of mind or feeling

H-a-p-p-y.

A simple five letter word that everyone strives for.

The idea of happiness fascinates me. In one of my psych classes we touch on topics like this every day, so I want to share with you what I've learned about happiness.

Happiness is actually 50% biology. The capacity a person has to be happy is determined partially by the activation in their left frontal lobe. So if sometimes you feel like you're not extremely happy like "so and so," you can have the peace of mind that this may be your situation and the hope that you can change. The other 50% is up to you.

Happiness is a choice. Our happiness in life isn't made up of what happens to us, but how we react to it.

Some important ingredients for overall happiness include control, optimism, meaningful activity, love, work, genetics, personality, and close or intimate relationships. 

Don't search for happiness, recognize it and know it when you find it. Happiness is often a side effect of doing things in what is so often called, "the pursuit of happiness." Happiness grows in sticking with it through hard times.

God is peace and happiness.

Sometimes even going through the motions brings the emotions. Fake it 'til you make it! Act like the person you want to be.

If you show your big toothy grin, you're telling your brain, "I think we're happy."  

Laugh everyday. Learn by children's examples. On average a child laughs 400 times a day and an adult only 15. How sad is that? Let's not be blinded by pessimism and dare to find reasons to laugh! 

Don't be afraid to wear a stupid hat or funny glasses in public, you'd be surprised the difference it makes in traffic! Even looking in the mirror will make you laugh, or watching somebody else laugh will make you laugh even harder.

There is a healing power to humor.

Marjorie Hinckley said, "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy;
One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.

Don't forget you feel the way you think. You're the only one who can make yourself happy. Be optimistic and laugh, you'll live longer!