How to Have a Really Happy New Year!

In the book, The How of Happiness, author Sonja Lyubomirsky recommends 12 scientifically proven ways to boost our happiness. They are:

1. Express Gratitude

 

1. Cultivate Optimism

 

1. Avoid Overthinking and Social Comparison

 

1. Practice Acts of Kindness

 

1. Nurture Social Relationships

 

1. Develop Strategies for Coping

 

1. Learn to Forgive

 

1. Increase Flow Experiences

 

1. Savor Life’s Joys

 

1. Commit to Your Goals

 

1. Practice Religion and Spirituality

 

1. Take Care of Your Body

 

I resonated with all of them. Do you?

Abraham Lincoln said that most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. To make your new year happier, I recommend you identify three of these strategies that you already do, appreciate the positive impact they have on your attitude and continue to do them. For me, that’s express gratitude, cultivate optimism and nurture social relationships.

Then, consider three more strategies to start or recommit to for the new year. Mine are savor life’s joys (stay in the moment), commit to your goals (I’ve got some bodacious ones for 2011!) and take care of your body (back to my yoga practice).

What do you already do and what will you begin to do in 2011? I hope you’ll share your wise strategies by posting your comments here and inspire others. Have a Really Happy New Year!