Happiness is a thing that we all strive to attain. As human beings, we all admit that life is short and unhappiness makes our lives difficult. As is common knowledge, our behaviors have a huge impact on the quality of life that we live, mainly, these behaviors directly impact us to be happy or unhappy.
To make a clear transformation, there is a strong difference between clinical depression and chronic unhappiness. Depression occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, while unhappy people have a disposition that is often acquired in how we choose to live our lives. Comparing to depression, unhappiness can be diagnosed and treated.
Here are 10 habits of unhappy people, all of which can be avoided.
According to Martha Washington, wife of 1st U.S. President George Washington, “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”
Chronic Complaining
Happy people don’t complain much while unhappy people always find something to complain even when those around them are happy. We all have to face different situations in our life whether it’s fair or unfair, wanted or unwanted. At the end all the circumstances are ours. So, find solutions to problems instead of complaining which has no meaning.
Being Critical – Of Self And Others
The way we talk to ourselves shape our self-image for better or worse. Self-worth is an important factor in our happiness and feeling good about ourselves is a right that we have. Understand when mistakes happen, accept them and move on without engaging in negative self-talk. Also, respect inherent differences of others and realize their right to live happily and without undue criticism.
Living Beyond Means
We live in a materialistic society, where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements for the latest car, gadget, or credit card; all promising an easier, more fulfilling existence. Don’t trust it for a second. While purchasing a new product will provide a needed emotional boost, it doesn’t last long. Ever heard the term “buyer’s remorse”? It exists for a reason. Instead, seek out something to do that doesn’t involve whipping out a piece of plastic such as exercise, reading, sightseeing; anything brings satisfaction without the debt.
Negative Addictions
Most things are better in moderation; food, drinks, and entertainment. It’s once this stuff takes center stage in our lives that it becomes a haul. Unfortunately, several unhappy people have met their end through addictive habits, particularly through dependence on alcohol and medicines. A good preventative measure and remedy to those addictions is finding and living our passions to the best extent attainable (see #8).
Regretting The Past
Regret is useless and also extraordinarily harmful. Research continues to point out those repetitive, negative thoughts concerning decisions created within the past in often a precursor to chronic stress and depression. According to the Psychology Today, there are four ways that to deal with regret: (1) learn from mistakes and don’t dwell, (2) if nothing can be changed let things go, (3) confirm an excessive blame isn’t being undertaken, and(4) reframing situations more positively.
Worrying About The Future
We have such a lot say in what our future holds. This is often not meant to disempower; rather it’s stating the truth. What we are able to do is live in the present while practicing our God-given skills and talents, enabling and empowering us to live a happier life. Here’s that phrase again: living in the present. Fight with difficulties as they arise and allow them to go. Enjoy the attractive things in life and live in present.
Being Driven By Concern
Fear is an enabler to why there are unhappy individuals in the world today. To completely perceive this, we have to go back to present. We can’t enable others to cripple our quality of life. Fear may be a negative thought method that’s typically on auto pilot. Remember that we are not our negative thoughts, we are not afraid, worry, anxiety, or the other negative thought method.
Gossiping
Nothing exudes unhappiness and insecurity over negative talk about somebody else. After all, why would a contented, assured person engage in something that’s of no benefit? They wouldn’t. Gossip is some things to be left to the youngsters at recess, not to adults trying to create their lives better.
Holding grudges
Similar to alternative negative emotions, ill will may be a needless weight on our backs. We are all witness to the negative behaviors of unhappy individuals and might become infuriated as a result. However remember, this isn’t concerning their ignorant behavior; it’s concerning your happiness. Either forgive, forget, or ignore and go along with your life.
Expanding Our Problems
When we expertise unhappiness and discontent, our first reaction is sort of entirely emotional. In other words, we blow things utterly out of proportion. After all, we still have that damned “lizard brain” (amygdala) – the epicenter of negative emotions. Instead, simply take a step back, cross-check the matter objectively (with the lowest emotion), and find a solution!
Once you are aware of these habits, you’ll confirm to stay them cornered by following the recommendation mentioned above.