How to find happiness in small things? - Article by Shivani Misri Sadhoo (an eminent psychologist in Delhi)

Everyone wants to be happy, yet joy is elusive for most people. One big reason is people tend to expect their happiness to come from big things like – buying a house, increment, new job etc. But big things are conditioned to time and external factors (you may give your best in the job, still your promotion can be a factor to the company’s performance and profitability, which is not in your hand). 

One must remember that life is made up of little things, to have a truly happy, peaceful existence, it is necessary to find happiness in small things., Psychologist Shviani Misri Sadhoo (Psychologist based in South Delhi) suggests some tips that will help us to find joy in small things in life.

SPEND MONEY ON EXPERIENCES, NOT ITEMS

We know the old saying; spending on materialistic things can’t give us happiness but in reality there's a very logical assumption that most people make when spending their money: that because a physical object will last longer, it will make us happier for a longer time than a one-off experience like a vacation.

We should realize one of the biggest enemies of happiness is the adaptation, we buy things to make us happy, and we succeed but only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them, compare them with other’s possession, doubt if we made the right purchase etc.

SET SIMPLE AND ATTAINABLE GOALS

Setting goals in life is important, it helps us in many ways like –to maintain our life’s focus, can make us do hard work, improve our creativity etc.  But goals can also cause us much pain if we are not specific and not well planned on the means to achieve goals. Instead of thinking one final goal we should set simple and attainable goals that will help us to reach the final target. In a way we will expand the scope of our happiness.

Like, if you want to buy a house, then build and focus on first the simple and attainable goals – like set your monthly saving targets, set your monthly online research (on property and house) as a target. This way you will make the purchase process of your house joyable and secured. 

ATTAIN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

A recent study that collected data on the activities, mood and health of 50,000 adults in Norway, found that people who participated in cultural activities reported higher happiness levels and lower anxiety and depression.

It was found that men see a stronger benefit from receptive, or passive, cultural activities (like visiting museums, art exhibitions, concerts or theatres) while women more enjoyed active participation events (like club meetings, singing, outdoor activities and dance)