Don't Worry, Be Happy!

  “When you give yourself permission to be human, you are more likely to open yourself up to positive emotions.” -Psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar

          

            We have all heard the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bob Marley.  Even though he is just a singer, he may not have been far off on the idea that you need to stop worrying and be happy to live a better life.

            Contrary to popular belief, happiness isn’t something you are just born with. It is a skill that you develop over time. The key is to accept your failures, roll with the punches, and acknowledge your failures. The most important thing to remember is that you are not perfect. You are human, just like everyone else. Being happy also pays off. Studies show that someone who is genuinely happy is less likely to suffer health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, or the common flu than someone who has negative emotions, like anger and sadness.

            Here are a few tips in staying happy: First, you need to be thankful for what you have. Second, it’s true what they say, “money cannot buy you happiness.” Studies show that the joy in buying or getting an object you desire disintegrates slowly. Material things are only great for so long. Third, set real, achievable goals. Don’t get me wrong; it is great to shoot for the moon. Just don’t aim to high or you will never recognize when you achieve a small goal, you will only be worried about achieving that one big goal. Lastly, focus on the positive instead of the negative. Throughout your day, think more about what has gone right instead of what has gone wrong. You only have one life to live; you might as well live it right.