Tal Ben-Shahar on Practical Happiness
Even though Oakland apparently isn’t too bad so far after the Mehserle verdict, thinking about police–protester interactions is depressing, and watching this take on recent events in Toronto didn’t help. So what better than five ways to become happier?
You should follow the link and watch the video, but if you really don’t have time to spare to become happier, a quick summary:
- Accept emotional pain. It’s indicates that we’re still alive and not psychopathic.
- Focused time with loved ones. We need it, and we need it without distraction.
- Regular exercise. We’re not supposed to be sedentary. Even three times a week for thirty–forty minutes helps tremendously.
- Be grateful. He suggests noting five things you’re grateful for every night.
- Simplify. Stop trying to jam more and more into less time.
I have experience with some of these, and they work. This includes exercise; the difference it can make is extremely significant. (It doesn’t have to be CrossFit—but do some kind of strenuous exercise three times a week for forty minutes!). I haven’t gotten too far with simplification. The “gratitude journal”, despite its New Age veneer, has some strong evidence behind it. I might try that out.