Be Happy Behavioural scientists have spent a lot of time studying what makes us happy (and what doesn’t). We know happiness can be a predictor of good health and longevity, and happiness scales can be used to measure social progress and the success of public policies. But happiness isn’t something that just happens. We all have the power to make small changes in our behaviour, our surroundings and our relationships that can help set us on course for a happier life. Your Mind Happiness often comes from within. Learn how to tame negative thoughts and approach every day with optimism. Conquer Negative Thinking All humans have a tendency to ruminate more on bad experiences than positive ones. It’s an evolutionary adaptation — over-learning from the dangerous or hurtful situations we encounter through life (such as bullying, trauma, betrayal) helps us avoid them in the future and react quickly in a crisis. But that means you have to work a little harder to train your brain to conquer negative thoughts. Here’s how to do it. Don’t try to stop negative thoughts. Telling yourself “I have to stop thinking about this” only makes you think about it more. Instead, take ownership of your worries. When you are in a negative cycle, acknowledge and accept the thoughts that you have; for example: “I’m worrying about money” or “I’m obsessing about problems at work”. Treat yourself like a friend When you are feeling negative about yourself, ask yourself what advice would you give a friend who was down on herself. Now try to apply that advice to you. The bottom line Negative thinking happens to all of us, but if we recognize it and challenge that thinking, we are taking a big step forward to a happier life. Strive to be happy.