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If You Want To Be Happy DON’T Do These Things!

by Dr. Sarah Allen
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11 Interesting Things That Happy People Never Do

I was recently interviewed by Bustle.com, a great website that describes itself as written for women by women that delivers everything you might want to know, see, and read right now!  The website is definitely worth a look and has lots of good articles. Anyway, they were writing an article about things happy people never do and asked me for suggestions.  I have to say I have never thought about happiness that way, I tend to give advice about what people can do to make themselves happier rather than what not to do, but after some thought I came up with four suggestions.

Below are the 4 tips I suggested and if you would like to read the whole article the link is below. The other 7 tips were good too and I’d love to know what you think, do you agree or perhaps there are other things you think happy people never do?

So if you want to be happy DON’T DO THESE THINGS!

 

Say Yes To Everything

It’s important to spend time with your friends and family, and sometimes you have obligations you are better off attending, but happy people don’t say yes to every single thing they’re asked to do. “We tend to say yes to things we don’t want to do or have time for because we don’t want to upset someone or have them not like us,” says psychologist Dr. Sarah Allen over email. “But if you are always saying yes, it leads to being over-scheduled, tired, and cranky.”

Neglect Sleep

Sleep is important for more than just not feeling tired. “Not getting enough sleep can over time affect mood and impair memory and attention,” says Allen. “It is not uncommon for people who don’t get enough sleep to be depressed and when chronic lack of sleep becomes a way of life, it can negatively affect your job and relationships.”

Involve Themselves In Drama

“If you are content, there is no need to make yourself and the people around you feel riled up,” says Allen. “Creating drama fills a void, whether it’s because you’re sad, bored or just want to feel better about yourself by making others miserable. Happy people try to sort out potential conflicts before they blow up out of control.”

Take The Positive Things For Granted

“Happy people never take the positive things that happen to them for granted,” says Allen. “Unhappy people tend to ignore the positive and notice the bad things that have happened, and also tend to ignore the positive influence we have over things and events.” I always suggest keeping a gratitude journal to help you notice the good things that happen during the day rather than focusing on the negative.

 

11 Interesting Things That Happy People Never Do

by Carina Wolffe, Bustle.com

If you would like to download a free copy of my booklet called Simple Steps To Improve Mood please enter your email below and then check your email for the link.  I also have free booklets about overcoming Anxiety, Depression and Emotional Eating in the Simple Steps series. Click the links or check my Homepage for details.

SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD ebook

You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

 

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If you feel anxiety is standing in the way of you leading the life you want to, call me on 847 791-7722 or via the email form below.

 

    Dr. Allen's professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, Uncategorized

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    Dr. Teresa PoprawskiPsychiatrist, First Chicago Neuroscience Clinic

    Dr. Allen has really helped me find my own voice. When I began therapy I would swing between being passive and doing whatever other people wanted me to do to being angry and frustrated. I have been on antidepressants for quite a few years but it wasn’t really working. Through therapy I have learned to listen to my own needs and to speak up. I used to worry that people wouldn’t like me if I didn’t agree with them but when Dr. Allen gave me the support I needed I challenged my fears. I spend a lot less time feeling angry and depressed now and I have really widened my social network. This is how I have always wanted to be but didn’t know how to get there. Dr. Allen has a very reassuring manner and makes you challenge yourself but by using small steps so you feel ready to do it. I have really come out of my shell and would recommend anyone who is feeling depressed to come and talk with her.

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