by If that dimple-cheeked smile and gorgeous photo of Abhay Deol aren’t enough to brighten your day, his motivational message about what makes him happy will surely do the trick! The actor lists five very practical but also very effective happiness tips to slow down your day and make every minute count. “Enjoy the process,” he says, explaining that the end result cannot define your success. The Global Happiness Index 2023 ranks India at 126th position and also ranks below its neighbors Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Now that has to change, right? So here are some tips for being happy, shared by the Bollywood actor!
Happiness Tips by Abhay Deol
In an Instagram post, Abhay Deol shared his best tips for being happy!
1. Set your goals
This doesn’t have to be a long, elaborate task of spreadsheets and five-year plans! Abhay Deol says it’s important to pause and think for a few minutes each day about what you would like to accomplish in your day, before you begin. “Before you start your day, take at least 5 minutes to set an intention for the day.” A study conducted by the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, USA, shows how a five-minute morning meditation session can not only reduce stress levels, but also make you more mindful and attentive.
2. Become your ideal self for a moment
Abhay Deol also lists various points of reflection for your 5 minute meditation session. “Think about the things you are grateful for. Focus on what you would like to be. Become your ideal self for a moment,” he writes. Well, what is your ideal self? It’s the person you want to become, along with your dreams, ambitions, aspirations and life experiences. Dr Imran Noorani, Consultant Psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says: “Your ‘ideal self’ refers to the person you aspire to be in terms of values, behaviors and character. It is a concept often used in self-improvement and personal development. Defining your ideal self can help you set goals and become the best version of yourself. It is a very personal and evolving concept that can change as you grow and develop throughout your life.
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3. Enjoy the process
It’s all about being optimistic and enjoying the process. Abhay Deol says, “It’s not over there but here. Enjoy the process of discovering the patterns that will lead you to your goals. Being happy in the moment is an integral part. A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health talks about the relationship between optimism and success. The study goes on to prove that optimists perform better than pessimists, even when things don’t go as planned. According to the study, they are also better at using coping tactics.
4. Be grateful
“Be grateful for the opportunity, and you will soon forget the goal because you will fall in love with the process.” You will be present in the moment,” he writes. Psychologists Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami conducted research in which they asked participants to write a few sentences about particular topics they had offered them. One group wrote about what they were grateful for during the week, while the other wrote about what they were irritated and unhappy about during the week’s events. The third group of people simply listed the events of the week. The first group was happier and even had fewer visits to the doctor!
Also read: 6 reasons why gratitude can change your life
5. Understand the power of your mind
The power of our mind is incomparable to that of any other part of our body. In fact, research led by clinical psychologist Beth Darnall, PhD, shows that our perception of pain can change the way we feel in reality. His work shows that “pain catastrophizing,” or the expectation of pain and associated feelings of helplessness, can lead to a longer hospital stay, severe pain, and more painkillers. In his post, Abhay Deol said, “I know it was World Mental Health Day a few days ago. But if you understand the power of your mind, every day will be mental health day. And we agree with him!
