A recent study conducted by psychologists at the University of California found that there really is a formula for happiness. 10% is affected by circumstance, 50% by genes, and an enormous 40% by chosen personal behaviour (e.g. complaining about the rain spoiling an afternoon of outside sports (circumstance) and so seeking another pleasurable activity (personal chosen behaviour)
Environment
A change in environment could help to order the mind, promote restful sleep and alleviate anxious tendencies. De-cluttering the home is a great place to start. Piles of junk, undone administration, unread books and dirty dishes can make a person feel like a failure (e.g. surrounded by all the tasks they’re half-done) Sometimes a simple de-clutter can brighten the murkiest mood and kick-start some much-needed motivation.
Body
Endless weight-loss articles, speedy beauty tips and quick-fix hair loss remedies can actually make the impossible goal of being friends with the mirror feel more unattainable than ever. Take time to identify, study, and either accept or seek out a treatment for perceived flaws. Time spent fixating but never fixing is wasted time.
A great example is dental issues, which often hover near the bottom of the savings list due to costly UK procedures, but is it really necessary? Cosmetic tourism (e.g. dental treatment abroad or cosmetic surgery abroad) is booming amongst UK clients, with destinations such as Korea and Turkey claiming top spots. Similarly, making the leap from obsessively loathing a body part to seeking cosmetic surgery abroad to rectify perceived imperfections can seem daunting, but more daunting than a lifetime of minutes spent regretfully in front of the mirror?
Improving cosmetic appearance through surgery, weight-loss, or perhaps just a new haircut, could be an invaluable springboard to making greater life changes.
Changing the drapes, investing in cosmetic dentistry abroad, taking up bird watching or learning Spanish – make the most of that 40%!