Once I happened to visit the Art of Living workshop by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. There I learned a very important thing about happiness. Happiness is a state of mind. It all depends on us whether we want to be happy or not. Once we decide to be happy, there are no two ways about it. But yes, there are ways to be happy.

In this article, I am going to touch up on some random ways to be happy:

1. Make peace with yourself.
This is really important. Because throughout the day we carry an unstable mind with us that is always worrying about something or the other. Try not to crib or whine to yourself. The more you do it, the more stressed you will be. So, appreciate yourself for whatever and wherever you are.

2. Make friends.
Some of us make friends easily. But do we have friends who make us happy? if not, it doesn’t mean we stop talking to them. Rather, we should look at ways by which we can be happy with them. Be caring towards them and in turn they will be. Share, network, enjoy, do whatever it takes to keep you and them happy.

3. Take a holiday.
With the everyday busy life yours, you definitely need a break to rejuvenate. Take a week’s holiday every year to chill out by yourself. Or, if you are on the spiritual side, then visit a spiritual place that will relax your mind.

4. Volunteer.
You can find true happiness by helping the needy. Seeing them smile will help you see life from a different perspective and may help you understand yourself better.

5. Smile often.
There is no need of keeping a serious face throughout the day. Smile every time you exchange pleasantries with someone. The more you smile, the less complex life will appear to you.

6. Spend time alone.
Though it’s good to have our loved ones around us, once in a while you must spend some alone time with yourself. Treat yourself to a nice massage, movies or your favorite buffet.

7. Declutter.
Sometimes we have so many undone issues at the back of our mind that it gets difficult to concentrate on anything else. So, let go of experiences that disturb you. Let all the negativity go away and embrace positivity with a broad smile!

8. Be yourself.
If you think someone around you is happy because of the things they do, don’t start behaving like them. Be comfortable with yourself and enjoy doing what you want to do. If others laugh at you, let them. Think of it, as at least you can make someone laugh.

Lastly, say “Thank you” and “Please” more often to everyone around you. Doing so will make keep them happy and create a positive environment around you always.

Article contributed by Namrata More.