If you search the web for tips on how to boost your happiness, you will get various ideas. Most of them, of course, can be effective. Others, however, are nothing more than myths. In this article, we are going to debunk five of the most popular happiness misconceptions.
“I’ll feel happy as soon as…” – A common mistake among seekers of happiness is to assume that the key to happiness in successfully completing a goal they have set for themselves. That goal can be landing a certain job position, moving to a different country, getting married and etc. In most of the cases, the happiness boost that comes from achieving your ultimate goals and dreams is short-lived. Therefore, it is better if you give in to happiness today instead of putting it on hold.
Surround yourself with optimists – Being in the company of happy and optimistic individual can be quiet energizing and inspiring. However, experts suggest that you should leave some space for a few pessimists in your life as well. Otherwise, you risk losing your defensive pessimism. That is the ability to envision possible negative outcomes so that you can later take action and avoid or at least prepare for them.
Letting anger out of the bottle will make you feel better – It is a common belief that keeping your anger and frustration bottled up inside of you will affect your happiness in a negative way. To a certain limited extent that is true. However, punching a pillow and hoping that this will help you cope with negativity is not an approach that is effective. In fact, turning your anger into aggression can even make you feel more stressed. Instead, whenever anger and frustration overcome you, try to get to the bottom of things. Ask yourself why this situation is upsetting you so much and will it still upset you tomorrow, after a week, a month or a year.
Chasing personal happiness is an act of selfishness – Another myth about happiness is that people who feel happy are more self-centered compared to others. However, science has proved that when our state of mind is more upbeat we are actually more likely to help others, participate in charity or volunteer work.
Random acts of kindness will make you feel happier – Being kind to others and giving without expecting anything in return is an essential part of being human. However, if you expect that you will boost your happiness by doing random acts of kindness, like giving flowers to strangers, you are wrong. Instead, psychologists advise to try doing practical acts of kindness that truly matter.
Happiness has turned into an entire industry. There are guides, books and blogs dedicated to happiness tips. However, not everything you come across will help you feel better. But by knowing these myths, you are already one step closer to happiness.
- Read more: Happier at Home
and The Happiness Project
were both instant New York Times bestsellers.
