We are in the Hebrew month of Adar, the time to increase happiness. Happiness expert Richard Koch suggests seven daily habits that amplify our happiness quotient.
1. Exercise. Make physical activity a daily habit before you begin your work day. It clears your mind and energizes you at the same time.
2. Mental stimulation. If you don't get this through your work, make sure there is some intellectual time in your day. You can do this by learning Torah, reading a book or discussing ideas with a friend.
3. Spiritual or artistic stimulation. Pray. Study a spiritual topic. Read a poem. Watch the sunrise or gaze at the stars. Do an activity that connects you to something higher than yourself and fills you with awe.
4. Do something for someone else. Pay for someone else's parking meter or give someone directions. At least once a day, intentionally do an act of kindness and help another person.
5. Share a break with a friend or family member. This can be a short coffee break or a meal. It can even be a walk down the block. The important part of this habit is that you have a chance to talk and to connect with someone you care about.
6. Give yourself a treat. Make a list of little treats that you enjoy and make sure that you give yourself at least one a day.
7. Congratulate yourself. Commend yourself for following daily happiness habits and working on improving yourself. Much of our happiness depends on whether we see ourselves as successful so this may be the most important habit that we establish for the end of each day.
(4) Anonymous, February 24, 2020 11:03 PM
A great one, thank you Sara Debbie!
(3) Goldy, March 14, 2016 8:00 PM
wow, so simple, yet so awesome! One of the greatest pieces you've written on Aish! Thank you!
(2) Chaiah Schwab, March 13, 2016 5:46 PM
Wonderful and true! Just one addition, as in comment #1:
I want to add: 8. Count your blessings. Frequently we forget to focus on the good in our lives. This brings us down. The quick and effective fix is to count our blessings. Works even when in pain. Rav Noach Weinberg, zt"l, suggested to write 'em out the first time, and add more each night for a week. After that, you don't have to write; just thinking about it works!
(1) Reva Van Leeuwen, March 13, 2016 2:45 PM
Gratitude
I would put expressing gratitude daily for the things with one is blessed high on the list. Making a written list in a journal of 5 things for which one is grateful today can increase one's happiness much more than five-fold.