Professor Tal Ben-Shahar’s Harvard course “Positive Psychology” and his 10 tips for happiness have changed many lives. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, so what should you do if life gives you lemons? You can choose to run away and be pessimistic, though you will be miserable.
Try these 10 tips to lift your mood and improve your happiness!
1. Accept who you are
Disappointment, turmoil, and sadness are inherent to the human condition. Accept these emotions as natural and allow yourself moments of vulnerability. Reflect on what can be done to alleviate these feelings.
2. Spend more time with friends
Don’t get bogged down by the daily grind. Close relationships are signs of your well-being. They serve as key indicators of happiness, often bringing the most joy into your life.
3. Express gratitude
Never take the gifts of family, friends, health, and education for granted. Acknowledging and appreciating the kindness of others, and maintaining a grateful heart, are essential. Make it a habit to record these moments of gratitude, whether daily or weekly.
4. Simplify your life
More is not always better, and having too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily beneficial. Are you taking too many classes? Do you participate in too many activities? It would be best if you focused on the quality rather than the quantity.
5. Exercise regularly
Physical exercise is one of the most important things you can do for overall well-being. Exercising as little as 30 minutes three times a week can significantly improve your physical and mental health.
6. Follow your heart’s passion
Engage in activities that hold meaning for you and bring you joy, rather than making choices based on ease, peer influence, or external expectations. Pursuing what genuinely interests you leads to authentic happiness and success.
7. Learn to fail or fail to learn
Remember, there are no shortcuts to success. The most successful people throughout history dared to take risks, though they often failed. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying new things.
8. Prioritize sleep
While pulling an all-nighter is sometimes unavoidable, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night is a great investment. You’ll be more productive, creative, and happier when you’re awake.
9. Be generous
Even if you do not have a lot of money or spare time, that doesn’t mean you can’t help others. “Giving” and “receiving” are two sides of the same coin. When you help others, you are also helping yourself; when you help yourself, you are indirectly helping others.
10. Be courageous
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
By integrating these tips into your daily life, you can cultivate a more joyful and fulfilling existence. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar’s insights remind us that happiness is not just a state of being, but a continuous journey of growth and self-improvement.
Translated by Elaine, edited by Amanda
