Happy Holidays?
Everything around us reminds us that it’s December – the holidays are upon us. The weather is cooling, Christmas trees and lights are appearing, every store is having a sale and the radio is playing Christmas music. It is only a matter of time before we hear “Happy Holidays”, a song written by Irving Berlin and made popular by Bing Crosby in the film Holiday Inn. With all the expectations of the season hanging in the air it may cause you to wonder, How am I doing ... really? Am I happy? And if I am not very happy is there anything I can do about it?
I have been doing some reading on the topic of happiness. Some of this study has led to interesting research on the habits, thoughts, goals, and activities that have been empirically proven to boost our level of happiness. Two of the better books I would recommend are “The How of Happiness” by professor and researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky and “Real Happiness” by clinical psychologist Jonah Paquette. The data is clear, there are things we can do to improve our level of happiness.
Obviously, no one is happy all the time. Perpetual happiness is not realistic, and a life of authenticity is filled with a wide range of emotions depending on the seasons and events of life. As Solomon wrote, there is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. One thing is certain, God is with us regardless of the season we are experiencing. Throughout the ebb and flow of life God has promised “I will never leave you and I will never forsake you.” The season of Christmas is one of the best reminders of this truth ... Immanuel, God with us.
I don’t know the season you are in right now, but if you would like to increase your happiness quotient throughout the Christmas season, I will give a few suggestions that come directly from the research on happiness:
1. Gratitude. Taking the time each day or each week to write down things you are thankful for is a consistent way to increase your level of happiness. This is a great season to grab a notebook and jot down some of the good things in your life. They do not have to be big to be effective ... recognizing things as simple as a cup of coffee, a warm fireplace, or a Christmas card from a friend will boost your brain chemicals.
2. Random acts of kindness. The research is clear that doing good things for others is an effective way of increasing your own happiness. The holidays are a great time to do this because there are so many opportunities. Go ahead and buy a toy for the toy drive, bake some cookies for an elderly neighbor, or volunteer to serve a meal or deliver gifts.
3. Outdoors and sunlight. Simply being outside and enjoying some sunlight (which is easier for those of us living in the desert) will help improve your overall mood. This is even more important during these winter months when the days are shorter, and the colder weather finds us spending more time indoors.
4. Write a letter of appreciation. Taking the time to write and send a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life will not only increase their happiness level but yours as well. Expressing appreciation has an amazing dual benefit for both the giver and the receiver.
5. Create. The act of creating something will enhance your happiness. So, whether you like to paint, draw, cook, plant, bake, knit, or compose – doing any creative activity will raise the happiness quotient in your brain. This is a great season to jump in and try something new and creative - who knows the talent you may uncover.
I hope you pick one or all these activities to increase the happiness level in your life. The staff at the Renewing Life Center wish you the best for this holiday season. If this holiday is a difficult time for you, remember we are here for you and your family. Please reach out by calling (702) 434-7290, we would love to meet with you.