“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln.

Happiness is a choice; you can choose to be sad when everything is going well for you and you can choose to be happy even when nothing seems right. To be happy at all times, you need to make happiness a habit and not just an act. I believe that the following points will show you how to stay happy no matter what happens

Be Grateful

Gratitude is a sign of appreciation and you ought to show appreciation for life. Always wake up every morning in acknowledgement that someone died the previous night but you didn’t, someone did not wake up but you did. Let me give you a little exercise, next time you feel as if everything is working against you and there is nothing to be thankful for, pick up a pen and a piece of paper and make a list of things you should be thankful for, for example, I woke up this morning, I have food on my table, I have clothes to wear, I have a good paying job even though my boss is a jerk, the skies are beautiful and the atmosphere is great. By the time you finish this little exercise, I can assure you that you will feel better already.

Exercise regularly

Unhappiness can result from stressing our bodies and minds. Scientists believe that 20 minutes of exercise can make you happy regardless of how sad you may be. Exercise raises your heart rate and triggers a surge of hormonal changes. As your heart begins to pound, certain hormones are released which create a sense of total well being and you begin to feel well again, the mind stress is gone and everything is under control. Another thing you can do is take a walk, this works for me all the time. When you take a walk, you are able to think over matters that are bothering you and come up with solutions to them.

Make somebody happy

“The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.” – Mark Twain

When you sow happiness, you reap happiness. Mother Teresa knew this secret so well; she devoted her life to helping others even if it simply meant putting a smile on someone’s face. Here is a sum of two of her famous quotes: “A life not lived for others is not a life; let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”

Be optimistic

Change is inevitable and no situation is permanent. Whenever you are feeling sad or depressed, always remember that it’s temporary and that tomorrow will be better, tough times don’t last but tough people do. Develop a positive attitude, be optimistic.

Act as if you are happy

Smile always, even when you are feeling blue. When the body acts, emotions follow. A smile costs nothing but it creates much, it enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give. Learn to smile at all times, it won’t only make you happy, it will also win you happy friends.

Stay Close to Friends

I was feeling very sad and depressed at work one Friday morning, I didn’t know what to do so I approached a friend and we got to talking, I shared my burden with her and we had a brief talk. By the time I finished pouring out my heart to her, I already knew why I was not happy and what I had to do as well. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with friends, it works.

How do you stay happy no matter what happens? Share your experiences with us and your opinion on any of the above points.