Tal Ben-Shahar's Happiness Tips

Posted by Jerry Lopper Oct 14, 2007

Tal Ben-Shahar, psychologist, author of Happier, and popular Harvard University lecturer, offers six tips for being happier.

Six Happiness Tips drawn from the advice of Tal Ben-Shahar

1. Give yourself permission to be human. Accept your emotions as natural responses to your situation. Allow yourself to be "with" the emotions for a time before moving on.

2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. Happiness results when we are engaged in both pleasurable activities and those which are aligned with purpose. Consciously select activities with pleasure and meaning.

3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the state of our bank account.

4. Simplify! The popular image of a multi-tasking, constantly on-the-go, whirlwind person with a big smile on her face is just that, an image. The more complex our lives become, the more difficult it is to enjoy each moment.

5. Remember the mind-body connection. A healthy body is a strong foundation for mental well being.

6. Express gratitude, whenever possible. Want what you have. Savor the positives in your life, rather than dwelling on the negatives.