1. SHARE POSITIVE THOUGHTS & GIVE COMPLIMENTS

Our society seems to encourage judgement and criticism but discourage the sharing of positive thoughts. We tend to fill up with fear over the idea of giving or receiving a compliment because it’s made so foreign to us but it is so important that all people recognise their value and feel recognised by others. Next time you have a positive thought, don’t hold back, just share it with that person! Even if someone finds it hard to take compliments, they still sink in subconsciously to be reflected on and digested later.

Note: It is important to be aware of your surroundings/situation. For example, if you are a man giving a compliment to a woman in a dark place at night when she is alone, this may be intimidating or unwanted. Assess your situation and make kind choices to be aware of another person’s position/feelings of safety and security.

2. SMILE!

Smile as much as you can, whenever you can, wherever you can! Smile at yourself in the mirror, smile when you look out into nature, smile at everyone and anyone, especially strangers! Smiling is scientifically proven to improve our moods even when it’s fake! It tricks your brain into thinking you are happy which releases endorphins (happy hormones). And even if a person doesn’t smile back, don’t worry! Your smile still works it’s magic (and it still makes you happy too!).

3. USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE

Making a conscious effort to shift your language has such a huge effect on your daily life! Words are powerful, hence why it’s called, ‘spelling’. Manipulating our language in a positive way has such a subtle but profound impact. A good example is when I meet someone, I like to ask, “How do you enjoy your life?” instead of, “What do you do?”

This approach is unique and engaging and gives you a broader, more personal insight into the other person but most importantly, it welcomes a positive verb into the question (enjoy) which uplifts the tone of the conversation. It also encourages the person to think about and share things that bring enjoyment into their lives rather than their line of work which may actually contribute to their unhappiness. Raising conversation in this way helps people to relive those emotions and invite you into that positive recollection.

Positive language can actually be used in all that we communicate, and is especially useful when things go wrong. Observing challenges as opportunities to learn or business set-backs as important lessons in what not to do are two other examples of how you can turn your negative experiences into positive ones just by switching up your language approach.

4. GIVE AND RECEIVE MORE CUDDLES

Hugging is good for our health in many ways. It’s widely known to lower stress, decrease depression and can even boost our immune systems! Plus, the obvious effects from the powerful direct transmission of love. We thrive from social connection and cuddling is such a beautiful way to give and receive it.

Note: It is always good to check in verbally first as some people (like some people with Autism, for example) may find types of intimate/physical contact uncomfortable. As with everything, consent is important and even the offer of a hug can provide a comfort to someone even if they dislike physical contact in that way as they can experience the intentional support.

5. EXPRESS GRATITUDE

It is so important to tell someone why you’re grateful for them! Channelling and sharing your gratitude helps people feel acknowledged and appreciated. When people feel valued, they tend to have a higher self worth so by saying thank you more often, you’ll be contributing to improving people’s mental health and self esteem. Gratitude also humbles and reminds us of what’s most important which is key in staying grounded and on a path that fulfils us.

6. SHARE WHATEVER YOU CAN

Whether it’s art, food, stories, experiences, clothes, friends, skills or life lessons, we are a socially driven species and therefore deeply desire CONNECTION! Plus everyone doesn’t have access to the same benefits, advantages and opportunities so share what you can; even the things that seem small to you can touch the hearts of others! We live in a world of abundance and if we all shared the different gifts, lessons, privileges, material items and blessings we have access to, no one would go without.

7. PLAY!

Encourage your inner child to connect with others’. Let go of your inhibitions, stop caring what people think and PLAY! Remember when we were kids and we just found the fun in everything? As adults we tend to overcomplicate things because we have access to too much information. We engage with what we think we should do rather than what truly makes our souls sing. By keeping things simple and saying yes more without too much thought, you’ll have fun discovering new things that you love, sharing old things you’ve always enjoyed and you’ll remember why it’s the best to just be free and silly with friends and strangers, just like a child.

8. BE PRESENT

We live in a world full of distractions and that often keeps us from being wholly present wherever we are. A fair chunk of society are more glued to their phone screens than engaged in their reality which is detrimental on an individual and a social basis. When you’re in company, give whoever you’re with your full attention; value both yours and their time. They will feel appreciated, valued and listened to which will make them more receptive towards you and connected to you. Presence also grants you access to the whole experience you’re in – you notice more of the little details which make moments special, unique, valuable and memorable.

9. LISTEN

Listening is a skill and when practiced properly, makes such a huge difference to conversations! We often get wrapped up in what we have to say instead of what we could take in. Many people in modern cultures feel overwhelmed by societal pressures and often struggle to communicate their personal feelings. By actively listening more attentively, you can be more alert for picking up on what the other person’s needs are. Many of us are guilty of listening to respond rather than listening to understand. A helpful tip is to take a few seconds after someone has spoken to digest what they’ve shared before you reply. This helps you to process the interaction and respond more thoughtfully whilst also helping the other person to feel heard and held in the conversation, particularly if they’re speaking emotionally.

10. BE HONEST, AUTHENTIC AND KIND

People respect being told the truth as it builds trust and security but it’s important to deliver with tact. Don’t over-promise or over-exaggerate – it’s not necessary. You are enough exactly as you are so speak from the heart, share with love and be mindful of how someone may receive your words.

If you’ve loved reading about how you can help spread happiness, you’re already taking part in happiness activism – the striving for positive social change by invoking a state of happiness within yourself and others. Click here to find out more about how you can keep paying it forward in the most joyful and inspiring way.