The end goal for most of us is just to be happy. But we tend to focus on what we crave to define our happiness. It’s easier for us to want things that we think will make us happy. But even if we had everything we could ask for to “be happy,” possessing things won’t bring lasting happiness. Happiness is a state of being, not a pile of possessions. So here a few things that I strive for when achieving a state of happiness. I dedicate this post to all of the physicians and physicians-to-be out there who facing burnout.
- Be Friendly. Be kind to those around you— family, friends, patients, strangers. There’s something about being warm and offering a smile that puts you in a good mood.
- Make Cheerfulness Your Default Demeanor. Smiles are contagious. Providing positive energy to those around you is à chain reaction, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling sunny yourself.
- Be Compassionate. This one is a huge one for me. Most of what I do and the way I treat people revolves around compassion. It’s so important to me to positively influence those around me. No one is 100% everyday—I tell you this from firsthand experience. But accepting people and showing them love anyway makes you 100% every day.
- Grasp Gratitude. Just be thankful; acknowledging the great things in your life in a humble manner can really enhance your overall wellbeing; you find your direction and your worth—so be grateful.
- Pursue Perspective. Putting yourself in others’ shoes really gives you a different mindset, and that’s a great thing. Sometimes, I find myself being really stubborn. But I always think, “I have no idea what is going on in their lives. I need to cut them some slack or give them some space. It’s what I would want.”
- Listen to Music. Listening to your favorite song floods your noggin with dopamine, aka positive music = happier person. Music is a form of expression, so go make that playlist of your favorite, upbeat songs and drown out the negativity when you’re down.
- Go Outside. Sometimes a change of scenery can provide perspective. Sometimes breathing fresh air just makes you feel better. And sometimes you just need to appreciate the beauty around you.
- Go Write. Writing is one of my passions. I truly look forward to blogging every month. But writing can also be therapeutic. When you’re feeling down, don’t dwell; relieve your mind by either writing it down or writing about something that makes you happy. Either way, you have a way to physically purge your mind of the negatives.
Go on, be happy!
