10 Ways to Be Happier

From Shine on Yahoo
1. Don’t start with profundities. - Start with basics like getting enough sleep and not letting yourself get too hungry.
2. Do let the sun go down on anger.- " Expressing anger related to minor, fleeting annoyances just amplifies bad feelings, while not expressing anger often allows it to dissipate."
3. Fake it till you feel it. - Feelings follow actions so acting cheerier will help you feel happier.
4. Realize that anything worth doing is worth doing badly. - People learning new things are happier than those who stick to famliar activities that they already do well.
5. Don’t treat the blues with a “treat.” - Often the things that you may choose for a treat are things that aren't good for you and then the feelings of guilt and loss of control will make you feel lousier.
6. Buy some happiness. - "Look for ways to spend money to stay in closer contact with my family and friends; to promote my health; to work more efficiently; to eliminate sources of irritation and marital conflict; to support important causes; and to have enlarging experiences."
7. Don’t insist on the best. - Are you a satisficer or a maximizer? Satisficers make a decision once their criteria are met while maximizers want to make the best possible decision. "Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they’re often anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough."
8. Exercise to boost energy. - Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters with even a 10-minute walk being most helpful.
9. Stop nagging. - Use wordless hints or do it yourself.
10. Take action. - About 40% of your happiness level is within your control. Take conscious steps to make your life happier.
To read more in depth go to:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/10-ways-to-be-happier-295265

Some more information on Temple Grandin
(This will be posted back to the Temple Grandin Hodgepodge posting.)
Carol Stone of Ways of the World here on the Farm, sends along this interesting article she found about Temple Grandin. Life Among the 'Yakkity Yaks' The renowned inventor on how the insights she gained from her own autism fueled her career.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703525704575061123564007514.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion

Video: Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds (19:44 min)
(TED - Ideas worth spreading)
http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds.html Also check out Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight while you are there. (18:44 min)
Thanks Diane for finding and passing this along.