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Today, with the constant flow of news and the barrage of bad news, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the state of the world. Instead of letting negative emotions consume your energy, focus on gratitude.
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Most people don’t realize that the source of true happiness is gratitude, not the other way around. Follow these seven tips to maximize your happiness this Thanksgiving and throughout the year.
1. Bring sunshine to someone else’s day
A few years ago, I had a long-time friend who was hospitalized with Alzheimer’s disease. About 18 months before his diagnosis, he was paying his own taxes, managing his portfolio, driving, and taking care of himself.
The day I flew to California to meet him, he was sitting at a table having lunch with another Alzheimer’s patient named Lewis. My friend was happily eating the salad with his fingers.
I teased Louis and told him he couldn’t keep up. Louis also took a piece of lettuce and ate it with his fingers. Then he gave me his biggest smile. Later, during the meal, two different caregivers stopped by to cut up Louis’ food and feed him.
I kept teasing Louis and telling him he couldn’t keep up, but he kept eating the lettuce one bite at a time. He almost laughed. One of his caregivers stopped by and was surprised to see him smiling. “
“Don’t make my Louis mad,” she warned.
Another caregiver came over and said, “I’ve never seen my son like this. He looks so happy.”
When we finished our meal, I said goodbye to Louis and explained that I live in Texas and look forward to seeing him the next time I’m in California. He took my hand and squeezed it tightly. His smile said it all – he was happy.
As I left the facility, I realized how much a warm smile and a few minutes of conversation can do to make someone’s day better. In fact, a study published in Psychology Today found that helping others can improve your mood and longevity in at least five different ways.
When we brighten someone else’s day, we inevitably make ours better too.
2. Choose your focus
Our happiness is primarily determined by our ability to concentrate. Our lives become brighter when we focus on what brings us joy rather than what consumes us. Research shows that exposure to negative news increases stress and anxiety. When I stopped watching the news on TV and switched to listening to classical music while driving, my stress levels dropped significantly. I was able to concentrate more on driving.
Listening to your favorite music is a great way to lift your mood and remove distractions. In addition to reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels, music can also boost your mood.
The key to maximizing your results is choosing the right type of music for the right task. For example, if you’re working on a task that requires a high degree of concentration, listening to music with lyrics can not only be distracting, but also interfere with memory retention.
On the other hand, when you are working on a boring task, fast-paced music can stimulate your mind and improve your performance. Next time you’re feeling stressed, turn off the news, put on a playlist of your favorite music, and relax.
3. “Taste the kitchen”
One of my neighbors has a saying: “Taste the kitchen.” For him, that means taking part in as many of life’s opportunities as possible. Always be curious and try things you’ve never experienced before.
For example, try different flavors of ice cream, visit a museum, attend a free lecture at your local library, or visit a winery for a tour or tasting. There are thousands of ways to enrich your daily life simply by doing things you’ve never done before.
Being curious can lead to better real estate business. Being genuinely interested in the people you meet, the types of food they like, what they do recreationally, and how they spend their free time will strengthen your listening skills. This builds trust and creates the foundation for future business.
4. Eat a bite of your feast instead of eating it all.
Sometimes we miss out on joy in search of the “perfect” thing that may never come to pass. Instead, take small steps towards your dreams. You may not be able to buy a 55-foot yacht, but you can enjoy the adventure by renting one for the weekend. Even better, join a sailing club where you can enjoy sailing without the costs and maintenance of owning a boat.
5. Remember that life is a long-term project
We all face ups and downs, but difficult times allow us to appreciate the good times. Facing and overcoming challenges strengthens your resilience and gives you a way to get through difficult times more easily, while also deepening your gratitude when you experience exhilarating highs.
If you need help in this area, this American Psychological Association article shares a roadmap on how to strengthen your resilience and rise up from difficult events even stronger than before.
6. Believe that the right thing will happen, even if it hurts.
Let’s look back at past difficulties. What helped you then? Are any strategies you’ve used in the past helpful in your current situation?Painful experiences often deeply shape us and teach us resilience and strength.
Second, accepting help from others can also be therapeutic for both parties. By lending a hand to others, you build a support network that enriches everyone involved.
7. Remember to be grateful.
At Thanksgiving, our plates tend to be full, both literally and figuratively. Too often, we pack our schedules so tightly that we don’t stop to think about whether or not they’re actually working for us.
What you should remember here is the Buddha’s wisdom, “Never add tea to a cup that is still full.”
Take a step back, let go of what no longer serves you, and fill your metaphorical cup with joy, laughter, and gratitude.
By shifting your focus and making room for new, positive experiences, you can cultivate happiness and build a foundation of gratitude that sustains you all year long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bernice Ross, President and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com and founder of RealEstateWealthForWomen.com, is a national speaker, author, and trainer who has published more than 1,500 articles.
