Focus On Happiness

Dump Depression -- Heap On Happiness

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Some days I just feel so down, April. I try to be happy, but it doesn’t always come easily to me. How can I be happy?

Sincerely,

Down in the Dumps

Dear Down in the Dumps,

Happiness comes from the difference between expectations and reality. When that difference is too great, so, too will your level of unhappiness. Adjusting expectations to reality is one way to be happier. Let go of unrealistic expectations and you'll find the key to happiness.

Who are you?

Knowing yourself is a tall order, even though it sounds simple, but it’s also a crucial step to happiness. The more you know about yourself, the better you can take care of yourself and put yourself in situations which will turn out to be happy-making situations, and keep yourself out of those situations that will not yield happiness as a result.

Physical fitness and health directly relate to happiness.

If someone is healthy and fit they’re going to feel better, happier, more peaceful and less depressed, stressed and unhappy. Physical activity releases endorphins, burns up toxins, and makes your body look and work better. You get a chemical boost and a self-esteem boost at the same time. Not to mention that you'll get a social boost from exercising with other people you like or meeting people you like when you exercise.

Stay steady.

The people who are most happy, ironically, are probably people who are not in the public eye. People who aren't in the public eye don’t put themselves through the ups and downs of emotions that actors, politicians or other famous people do. Living your own life with it's regular ups and downs is one thing, but having the press, the paparazzi and the media scrutinizing your every move is a second level of stress that doesn't do anyone any good. It’s no surprise that so many actors and famous people turn to drugs, alcohol or other medicating substances or behaviors to anesthetize their feelings because so many of those feelings are bad ones. The life of people who subject themselves to stress is much more harrowed than people who subject themselves to peaceful living.

And if you want a man to go with your newfound happiness, check out my latest book, Think and Date Like a Man!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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