The Happiness Re-Boot : 5 Easy changes

Happiness depends upon ourselves……Aristotle

This past year has certainly been a challenging year on almost every level, including the level where our happiness once resided. But, all is not lost. We might be on the road to recovery. The ‘experts’ in the attitude business say they have a few under-appreciated changes (we can make) that will help re-connect our happy button. Stay with me. A few are very simple but very effective.

Yes, we all know about positive thinking. But, did you know we all have a “negativity bias?” Yup, looming in the background, the brain tries to sort out what is threatening to us. Unfortunately, there is a lot of really gloomy news bombarding us (good news is on the way,)and it is this downer news that captures our attention most of the time.

Bouncing back and shifting our mindset.

Here are five changes to help boost your mindset, energy and help you re-locate your happy button…

No. One…The Power of Color.

Research has shown that Universal Colors are those colors that tend to be flattering to most people…They may or may not be your Power Colors, but they usually won’t be one of your worst, either. Universal Colors are not overly bright or dark and not too warm or cool.” These are the colors that can fall into all four seasonal palettes. A few universal colors, according to Kettlewell, Inc., are Bright Jade. White Pepper. True Teal. Take a look at Kettlewell, Inc. for a personalized color palette/season. We all know that when we feel fabulous in an outfit, it can affect all aspects of our day. We want to keep the dopamine factor up and running, and the best way to power it up is with colors that lift our joy factor. Bright, vivid colors are linked to happiness…If the idea of a full-on outfit right now is overwhelming – think socks, a scarf, a bright color tee under that favorite cashmere v-neck.

No. Two…Chaise Lounge Time Travel.

Come on – be honest. Who doesn’t love a good day-dream? If you feel overwhelmed, think about how you would feel if you were sitting on a stunning beach with a parasol in your cocktail. You would be feeling pretty darn good. This imaginary journey is a way to remember how it actually felt with the sun warming you and the beauty surrounding you. Studies have shown that when people do this, they remember that feelings Are Not permanent. They realize that things will change – and that allows for the possibility of hope. The 2021 World Happiness Report was recently released, and it was very hopeful. Even amid global hardship, “life satisfaction across 95 countries on average remained steady in 2020 from the previous year.” WoW. That says a lot about our global human resilience. Jefferey Sachs, an economics professor at Columbia University, says, “all is not well because it’s not.” But, “people have not thrown up their hands about life.” So, back to the chaise lounge. It’s vitally important to think positively and focus on past good times. Take a time travel journey to your favorite beach, mountain top, or that romantic cafe in Paris. Happiness, on some level, is bound to find you. And, be sure to send a postcard!

No. Three…Do you have a Lucky Charm?

The medical term for a lucky charm is a placebo. Both tap into a circuit in the brain that controls our expectations and helps us navigate the world. Several studies and books have recently suggested that luck and opportunity may play a far greater role than we ever realized across many fields, including finance, sports, art, music, literature, and science. The argument is not that luck is everything; of course, talent matters. Instead, the data suggest that we miss out on an essential piece of the success picture if we only focus on personal characteristics to understand success’s determents. Is it hard work and perseverance that pays off, or is it luck? Is that lucky person the one who is most capable of capitalizing on their opportunities? Or, are they the ones with the lucky charm? Michael Jordan reportedly wore his University of North Carolina Tar Heels shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform. Heidi Klum revealed early in her career that she carries her baby teeth in a tiny bag for good luck. Lucky charms come in all shapes and sizes, but what they all carry is the belief that luck is available to all. How about you? What’s your lucky charm?

No. Four…Circle the Wagons Loaded with Friends.

Have you ever noticed (in the past) a group of kindergarten-age children out with their teachers, and all of them are tethered together? Take that mental snapshot and apply it to yourself, your family, and your friends. “Deepening our present connections is a good way to enhance well-being,” says Dan Tomasulo, Ph.D., author of Learned Hopefulness. It’s not the cocktail hour yet – in person, but we can have a Zoom cocktail party. We can take the time to think about that person we have not been in contact with for a while. How are they? Call them, text them. Reach out. My horoscope the other day said, and I quote – “Call your cousins.” Okay, I did. And, with both, we talked for over an hour. It was joyous. One is in Seattle, the other in Florida. My friend Nancy in New York City is a best friend, and we talk all the time. But, we have not seen each other in ten years. Keep the ones you love close. And, think about someone you have not connected with in a while. It’s never too late to extend the hand of friendship and love.

No. Five…The Magic of Gratitude

Beyond the gratitude journal is the out-loud proclamation that you are grateful for that which surrounds you. Saying something out-loud reinforces the positivity of the statement and propels that emotion out into the universe. You could make a daily gratitude trade with a trusted friend or two, texting or emailing lists of positive experiences. A wonderful practice is to write a letter to someone who has been kind to you and thank them. Reminisce in a letter to a friend or loved one about how you met, what their love and friendship mean to you. And if it applies, how that individual has positively impacted your life. This practice will not only bring the recipient tremendous joy, but it will also reverberate back at you a thousand times over. Honest. When you examine the past through a positive lens and share that perspective, it’s one of the best things you can do to make those around you and yourself happier.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by Platinum Boomer. Please share with us what changes you have made to improve your happiness. xok