She came in the room giggling and singing. That was a pleasant sight for her mother who was expecting a rather exhausting daughter with stern face after a long tiring day. But she was happy. Her mother, astonished by her daughter’s entrance asked excitingly, “welcome home, how are you? What’s the good news that you are in such a good mood?” She replied, “Nothing mom, it’s just that I feel positive inside out by completing my tasks on time, moreover, it’s such a bright and beautiful evening.” The reason was enough for her to be happy. That night she took her mother out for dinner and they had a chatty happy meal.
Our happiness is not dependent upon others, instead it resides inside us. It is upon us how we see simple pleasures of life and enjoy every bit of it. In this article, I will share with you simple five formulas to lead a happy life. So, brace yourselves, your next five minutes are mine.
Ease your body – Stay in the position wherever you are. As in if you are sitting, keep seated; standing, keep standing; laying, stay like it. Take a deep breath and keep your eyes open, relax your muscles and take five deep breaths.
Close your eyes – Think about the place where you wish to be right now. For example, if you want to be in a playground, imagine yourself swinging in a lush green garden. Waterfalls and their zigzagging springs. Cool breeze blowing your hair and touching your skin. How about fishing in a lake?
Or, how about open your eyes and run to your mother/father and hug them politely?
Adopt a Pet - Different studies reveal that pet owners are happier and healthier than nonowners, and thoughts of one's pet could insulate one from feeling down following a social rejection experience. Pets are the innocence we miss in our daily routines and competitions.
Trees make us happy – Plant a tree and then own it, caress it and see it grow big and healthy. Studies suggest that little saplings are a good way of looking at the green life. It is a sense of belonging and responsibility to contribute towards the world environment.
Surround yourself with happy people – Try to surround and interact with people who make your happy. Whose ambitions match you and you learn from them on regular basis. It is a slow process but not an impossible one. Open yourself to ideas and be flexible in your approach towards life.
Pakistan came in at 92 out of 157 countries that were evaluated on the Happiness index in 2016, by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Earth Institute at Columbia University. We have a long way to go. Truly prosperous people are those who spread love and happiness among others. Share their grief and laughter. We need to be tolerant and flexible in our opinions. It is the best medicine and help you live a healthy and happy life. This International Day of Happiness, share with us your idea of a happy life.
Published in Young Nation magazine on March 18, 2017
