Experts share 5 ways to pursue happiness

Last week the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network published the World Happiness Report The document assesses levels of happiness based on six key variables that include Gross Domestic Product GDP social support life expectancy generosity freedom and corruption This yearrsquos report specially focused on the impact of the pandemic on happiness too While Finland topped the list Indiarsquos place was pitiable it ranked 139 among 149 countriesBahl suggests journalling and engaging in fun activities every day Representation picsIt would be naiumlve to assume that the unprecedented nature of the virus couldnrsquot possibly affect us But a year has passed and we could all do with keeping up with the times We invited success coach and author Nidhika Bahl and performance coach Advait Dikshit to share tips on how to navigate life in the second pandemicled yearContrary to popular belief Bahl shares that many arenrsquot approaching coaches during lockdown due to lack of privacy at home So to keep ourselves afloat she has come up with an acronym worth remembering mdash PEACEPractise mindfulness This could be done in multiple ways including yoga meditation and mandala art ldquoThere is so much anxiety So every day we need to set aside 20 to 30 minutes calming ourselves downrdquo she saysAdvait DikshitExpress your emotions If you have someone to talk to reach out Otherwise start journalling ldquoBut after you journal burn those papers because you will store negative energy and be stuck thererdquo she cautions If nothing works seek help from a professionalAppreciate yourself and others Gratitude is always spoken about in context of others but we often donrsquot practice it for ourselves Bahl explains ldquoIf we donrsquot recognise our own worth therersquos very little we can do for others This doesnrsquot imply being selfishrdquoAnother angle to gratitude Dikshit says is to think about how the pandemic has changed your life for the better ldquoWhat are things that couldrsquove never happened if it werenrsquot for the pandemic Identify and remind yourself about them dailyrdquo he saysCelebrate small wins Create joy in your life by finding happiness in small things give yourself a pat on the back if you made good food rather than thinking about earning a million todayNidhika BahlEngage in joyful activities Do something for 20 minutes a day which gives you joy mdash dance music or poetry for example Additionally it can be beneficial to have a goal to adapt and be resilient to the new environmentDikshit also advises being objective ie looking at the real data related to the virus Of course you need to take the vaccine but instead of panicking and getting anxious focus on your health ldquoBuilding immunity doesnrsquot mean going to the gym with a fancy trainer lifting the barbells for you Thatrsquos not immunity Thatrsquos aesthetics You can just walk a couple of miles a day or eat the right foodsrdquo he saysAt a time when social media also plays a huge role in our lives Dikshit suggests arguing with yourself instead of people on the Internet ldquoYour head may be predisposed to melancholia and you can go down a rabbit hole with your thoughts So argue with your stupidityrdquo he states