By Ed Trainor
Happiness and unhappiness are contagious. We impact others with our happy or unhappy state, and they, in turn, infect others with the state that began with us.
Our nation could use a boost in happiness. The 2024 World Happiness Report lists the U.S. as number 23 among the world’s countries. We have slipped 8 places since 2023. What are we doing to ourselves to cause this downward spiral?
One contributing factor to our plight could be so many of us seek to feel good through the use of alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and unhealthy eating habits. These only mask our problems, do not really change them, and create additional problems. Happiness or feeling good comes not necessarily from what might feel good in the moment but from doing what is truly good for us.
Another factor could be overindulgence in electronics at the expense of eye-to-eye and ear-to-ear connection. Another could be overexposure to negativity.
Here are a few simple things we can do to move forward to a happier future:
1.. Associate with genuinely happy people and share real-life positive experiences with them.
2. Smile more. It’s good for the body, mind, and spirit.
- Take some of the focus off ourselves and do something for others.
4. Make gratitude a regular experience.
5. And most important – enjoy this moment. This moment is your life.
Ed Trainor
