Do you ever struggle with how to find joy in the small things in your life, even when things are going well? It may feel like even your most positive thoughts aren’t manifesting into genuine emotions. Whether you’re new to this shift in your mental health or it’s become a familiar part of your daily routine, there is hope to change how you feel for the better and create your own recipe for happiness.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to stop overlooking the small moments of happiness, you’re in the right place. The secret to happiness can lead to a more fulfilling life and it starts with learning what you like—not just what you’re told to like.
Decades of research have shown when you notice and appreciate the good things others do, it encourages even more positive behavior. Couples and coworkers who gave each other five times more positive comments than negative ones had much happier and more successful relationships. By focusing on what you like about others, you can create more positivity in your life and theirs.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the power of appreciation toward yourself and others to create a happy mind and happy life.
Learn The Science of Happiness
In Amen University’s 30-Day Happiness Challenge, psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen draws from over 30 years of clinical practice as well as his bestselling book You, Happier. With 30 daily happiness hacks from the book, this challenge is like taking a You, Happier course.
Dr. Amen’s wife, bestselling author Tana Amen, joins him as they explore the science of happiness and how to increase your mood, even through life's most uncertain moments.
Dr. Amen and Tana teach valuable insights into the neuroscience of happiness. You’ll learn how to leverage the brain's inherent neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and change over time by creating new neurons and networks—to cultivate a happier mindset and increase your mood in a positive direction. Though some happy life hacks may be obvious, it’s important to see the entire scope of how your brain works so you can support a happy mind and happy life.
At the heart of the 30-Day Happiness Challenge course lies a concept about noticing what you like about others so you can know yourself better. It's a deceptively simple idea with a profound impact on your recipe for happiness. Instead of getting caught up in endless critique and that inner voice of negativity, we help you shift your focus to enjoy being who you are now and choose who you will be moving forward.
The 4 Circles Of Brain Health (And Happiness!)
In your pursuit of happiness, it's essential to recognize yourself first. Building your self-awareness helps you understand which of The 4 Circles Of Brain Health you need to reflect on and prioritize your happiness. These circles highlight the parts of your life that help you build an overall sense of contentment. Here’s a brief breakdown before we share a few happiness hacks to help you build your guide to happiness.
Biological Circle
This is about how your physical health and brain function play a significant role in determining your happiness levels. The state of your body and the health of your brain directly impact your mood and outlook on life.
Psychological Circle
This goes into your mental development and how you think, what you believe, and why you perceive the world around you the way you do. The positive and negative narratives you construct within your mind profoundly influence your happiness.
Social Circle
This is about how you cultivate personal connections and social support to help you handle the world around you. Humans are inherently social creatures so societal influences and life circumstances significantly impact mental well-being.
Spiritual Circle
Beyond the material world and social interactions you experience, you have spiritual connections that go beyond what we can see in something greater than ourselves. From a higher power and the planet to generational trauma and your sense of meaning and purpose, it all matters in your recipe for happiness.
5 Practical Happiness Hacks To Learn What You Like
One of the key teachings in this 30-day challenge is the importance of noticing what you like about others and within yourself. By shifting your focus from unhelpful critique to mindful appreciation, you can increase your mood and learn how to find joy again. Here are five practical happiness hacks to reinforce behaviors you like within yourself and values that you admire in others:
Keep A Gratitude Journal
Taking time to express gratitude for the positive things in life and tracking what you like when you interact with others can help identify the root of your happiness. Whether you like writing heartfelt notes or sharing personal and sincere compliments, expressing appreciation fosters positivity and strengthens your relationships.
Practice Empathy With Intention
Oftentimes, empathy is something expected of you and it can be hard to stay mindful in more stressful situations. This is where you can intentionally practice empathy to have a clearer perspective on the strengths and virtues you admire most in others around you.
Celebrate Others’ Strengths
When you pay attention to the strengths and talents of others, you can learn to acknowledge and genuinely celebrate their accomplishments. This can help you accept your own as you foster positivity to gain discipline with short and long-term goals.
Strengthen Your Principles With A Positive Value System
Identify people who embody the qualities you admire and aspire to emulate specific traits or overarching principles from your circle. It’s important to observe positive behaviors and attitudes to inspire your motivation for personal growth and development.
Surround Yourself With Supportive People
Surround yourself with uplifting and supportive people who can equally inspire you as they can be vulnerable with you. Cultivating a nurturing social circle enhances your self-awareness, mental health, and overall happiness.
If you want to uncover your secret to happiness, register for Amen University’s 30-Day Happiness Challenge Course to help you shift your focus from criticism to appreciation within yourself and others. With his groundbreaking work in brain health and psychiatry, Dr. Amen’s goal is to empower you with the practical tools you need to find lasting happiness rooted in neuroscience. You can start implementing your guide to happiness, joyful fulfillment, and meaningful gratitude today.
