7 Steps Toward Creating Happiness – It’s Really Up to You

When you think of happiness, what do you think of? It sounds like a crazy question, but whether or not you consider yourself to be happy or to have a happy life depends on what you consider happiness to be.

• Is it what some people would consider to be manic – jumping around dancing and singing and laughing?
• Is it sitting peacefully on a beach watching the waves roll in and out, listening to the birds, watching the sun go down?
• Is it bringing home a big paycheck and driving an expensive car?
• Maybe it’s the euphoria that you feel after a couple of glasses of wine (or more depending on your tolerance).

But remember that euphoria is not the same as happiness. Alcohol does not make you “happy” – it may relieve some pain for a while, but the higher you go, the further down you fall afterwards, causing more depression and anxiety.

And how much control do you think that you have over your happiness? The answer is probably a whole lot more than you think. Don't get caught up in the blame and shame game or being the victim. Take control and make some changes for yourself. Here are seven tips for creating your own happiness:

1. Have an “attitude of gratitude” for what you have or the blessings that surround you.
2. Focus on the joy that you get from relationships and companionship versus how much money you have and how many presents you can buy those people.
3. Fill your days with positive activities and do-able accomplishments.
4. Surround yourself with positive, happy people and be aware of the toxic input you may receive from others, television, environment, etc.
5. Generate more positive brain chemicals naturally - dopamine for feelings of well-being; serotonin for emotional relaxation; endorphins – nature’s natural pain killers – from spicy foods and exercise. (For more on changing your brain chemistry naturally, click here to watch video).
6. Smile or laugh! Yes, “acting as if” actually triggers the release of neurotransmitters that cause you to feel happier.
7. Take dietary supplements such as GABA – nature’s tranquilizer, 5-HTP – which is converted into serotonin in the body, SAM-e, MODER8 or MODER8 Stress Relief Formula.

Be mindful and practice these steps daily or anytime you feel yourself starting to fall into a slump. Happiness is a state of mind - so create YOUR HAPPINESS today!