I was watching a documentary today on Television. It was about people who were displaced from their homes due to natural disasters. I looked closely and I saw them playing and laughing, I was awestruck. Why will people going through such stress be this happy?
But! They were fed by the Government, which indicated they had no money. So what was giving them the impetus to laugh?
That was when I comprehended, they lost everything, their buildings, cars, and families but they didn't lose one thing, their happiness. Most people haven't gone through half of what others experience, and are already fed up with life.
Being happy is a choice. You either choose to or not to. The beautiful part, it is free, which explains why a man living in the street has the same happiness as someone living in a skyscraper. The black man gets the same dose as the white man and is equal among all gender and ages.
If Happiness Is Free, Why Do People Get Depressed?
As I earlier stated, happiness is free but then it's a choice. But that doesn't explain why person A gets depressed while person B doesn't, even with the same level of problem. Person A has chosen to magnify the problem and make it a priority, while B has chosen to make it an ordinary problem.
This explains, why two people can be sacked from the same company and one of them commits suicide, while the other is seen dancing at a party.
Another factor is their tolerance level. We are built differently and what triggers depression in one person, may not in another person. All we need is the right dose to trigger depression. That's why it is advisable to know what triggers depression in you and try to avoid it.
What Can I Do To Boost My Happiness
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No matter how depressed we are, there is a drop of happiness in all of us, all we need is the right push. So I will make a list of things to boost our happiness levels;
1) Worry Less: This is quite a simple trick that works perfectly well when executed correctly. Worrying always about your problem will deprive you of reasons to be happy. When you don't think about it frequently, you will begin to experience this joy within you, no matter how severe or badly hurt you were. Life becomes easy when you set aside your troubles and be happy.
2) Your Choice Of Friends: This should be a priority in life, these types of friends could affect our mood. A dull or serious-minded friend who doesn't know how to crack jokes, will bore the life out of you even in your sad state. The reverse is the case with cheerful friends, this explains why people tend to make friends more with funny and jovial people than with serious-minded individuals.
Having friends that have high fashion taste and also live a luxurious lifestyle could also affect your happiness level. Let's assume you have been sacked from your job, and your friends are still displaying their wealth. That could get you more depressed. That explains how peer pressure can deprive one of being happy.
3) Be Your Source Of Happiness: No one has the right to make you sad without your permission. This means you have every right to shield yourself from negative energy, to keep yourself from being sad.
You have to create your happiness by doing the things you like. Personally, music makes me happy, so most times I do listen to music or watch some funny skits online. I know of a friend whose source of happiness is swimming. All she does is go to the pool and cool off. You need to find what makes you happy and focus on it. You are in charge of your happiness and you shouldn't deprive yourself of opportunities to make yourself happy.
4) Eat Well: Does this sound funny? Certainly yes! But at times hunger or cravings for special types of food can get us moody.
This sudden change in mood can be corrected with the right kind of food.
That doesn't explain, anybody who isn't happy is as a result of being hungry or having some weird cravings, certainly not. They could have a lot on their sleeves and so using the right tip for the right purpose is essential.
5) Take A Walk: Most times all you need to brighten your mood is just a walk, and go on picnics. You don't have to stay idle, as this will create room for you to be sadder.
Take a walk around the neighbourhood, beach or even visit a relative or friend.
6) Engage In Outdoor Activities: An idle mind is an avenue for depression. It will be detrimental to lock yourself from others. Engaging in outdoor games, and learning new skills like how to bake, how to sew or even how to ride a bicycle or Car will help spike your happiness.
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Happiness obtained from such moments is always genuine. You can imagine how you will feel if you can drive a car. Or even know how to bake your favourite cake.
Conclusion
Happiness is real and free for all. It doesn't matter your race, tribe, colour, height, size or gender. It cuts across all ages which explains how important it is to be happy. You don't need to fake your happiness but work to earn it. Remember, depression poses greater health risks. This explains the saying, that a genuine smile is worth more than an account filled with money. Money can buy everything but not happiness. Genuine happiness is from within and not based on material things. So while pursuing money, also make time for your happiness too.
Do have a blessed weekend.
