Happiness has little to do with comfort, money, or possessions. True happiness comes from within and we are all worthy and capable of attaining it in our lives. Life is much more fulfilling when we can truly feel and appreciate its beauty rather than feeling overwhelmed by its challenges. 

 While working at Fossil, we had a company-wide meeting and these happiness tips were presented to us. They’re simple and have helped me focus on being happy the past few years. Try them out to boost your mood and overall sense of well-being!

1. View stress as a challenge; not a threat

Simply put, stress is an unavoidable part of life, but just a small shift in perspective can help it feel a lot less daunting whenever a stressful situation arises. Making a conscious effort to view stress as a manageable challenge (rather than an uncontrollable threat) can do wonders for your well-being! Just remember: focus on the task, not the emotion. 

2. Focus on the Positive

Each day we are presented with a wide spectrum of different emotions, circumstances, and environments. We experience the good, the bad, and everything in between, yet it is up to us whether to focus on the positive or dwell in the negative aspects of our experiences. Research has proven that choosing to focus on the positive has numerous advantages such as: lower stress, strengthened immune system, lowered rates of depression and anxiety, and overall better psychological and physical well-being!

3. Find Meaning

This one is vital. Without a sense of meaning happiness can feel distant in our lives. Luckily, cultivating a purposeful life is just simply combining your passions with action, so make plenty of time to do things that fuel your passion and make your heart soar! Studies show that individuals who feel a sense of purpose in their lives are more resilient to stress and have a healthier outlook on life. 

4. Stay Connected

To feel more connected with others, first we need to maintain a healthy connection with ourselves. Make self-care a priority. Spend at least a few minutes alone to rebalance and ground before you take on the world each day. Deep breaths, simple yoga stretches, a meditative cup of tea, smiling in the mirror— anything that brings you back to your center! 

5. Be Grateful

Choose gratitude, always. Even when your world feels like it’s spinning out of control, bring your focus back to all the reasons you feel thankful in your life. It will instantly give you a more optimistic outlook and will help bring the bigger picture into focus, reminding you that everything is always, always going to be alright. Remember, it’s not happy people who are thankful, it’s thankful people who are happy.

Smiling is the key to happiness! Don't put your key in someone else’s pocket. Stay happy!😊