Happiness by Noa Fridmark

International Happiness Day is here. A day dedicated to reflecting on what makes us happy. Did you know that scientists argue that you can actually “choose” happiness, by changing some of your habits and thought patterns?

In today’s world, lives are full of self-generated demands – climb the corporate ladder, own an expensive home, a fancy car, the list goes on. We put our happiness aside when we prioritize these demands at the expense of the things that truly matter. We often forget that we are the creators of our own happiness, often strive to stop putting our happiness in the hands of others, and to start chasing our own happiness.

At one time, I was at the top of one of Stockholm’s hottest companies. On the verge of going public, and with an executive marketing title and sizable salary, I somehow felt empty. After some soul searching, I realized that I couldn’t stand for the company’s core values. So, I did it: I quit.

It was the best decision I have ever made. My new home became an uninhabited island in the outer wilds of the Stockholm archipelago. This giant leap off the career path and away from the city was life-altering. Gazing out at the sea, serene in the presence of the moment, an intense calmness washed over my soul. And for the first time, I felt gratitude towards life. It struck me that there must be other people who yearn to feel this way. When you free yourself from society’s expectations, you truly connect with your inner inspiration.

Harvard University psychologist Daniel Gilbert argues that happiness is derived from the ability to project what will (or could), in the future, make us happy. For me, it was becoming the founder and CEO of Scandinavia’s fastest growing relaxation beverage. By putting my own happiness first, and planning on how to achieve it, I had provided more meaning to life.

At NOA Relaxation, we are dedicated to promoting relaxation and fulfillment, and believe that happiness is key to a fulfilled, healthy and meaningful life. So we made a list of the best tips on how make the most of International Happiness Day.

Spend time with loved ones

Life throws us a lot of curveballs. The most important tool against misfortune is to have people in your life who can pick you up. Friends and family help us stay true, remind us of our own value. These meaningful relationships help us cope with what we face in life, and boosts happiness levels.

Chase your dreams

Focus on the activities that gives meaning to life. Don’t dwell on expectations, find that one thing in life that gives real, meaningful satisfaction and do it, regardless of what other people think.

Give to Others

It doesn’t have to be big: a kind word, a smile or a thoughtful gesture goes a long way. And by doing things for others, you can boost your own happiness as well as those around you. Scientific studies show that simple acts of kindness increases life satisfaction and reduces stress.

Be Grateful

Being appreciative about the simple things and needs—a roof over one’s head, food on the table, your health—and seeing life as a gift, you feel more gratitude about life itself.

Forgive More

Forgiveness has the strongest link to happiness. Resenting others creates bitterness within ourselves. By being open to forgiving others, we are thus being open to our own happiness.

Remember, no one can be happy all the time – and that’s okay. What is important is changing one’s perceptions and thoughts towards those which inspires happiness, and doing so allows us to spend our time focusing on the most meaningful parts of life.

Kind greetings,

Noa Fridmark