Ways to Get a Happy State of Mind Happiness is always in a short time, subject to something unexpected of everything from the weather to me size of your bank account. We're not suggesting that you can reach a permanent state called 'happiness' and remain there. But there are many ways to stray from the path to anxiety, anger, frustration, and sadness into a state of happiness once or even several times throughout the day. Here are 18 indeas to get you started. Choose the ones that work for you. Practice mindfulness Be in the moment. Instead of worrying about your checkup tomorrow while you have dinner with your family, focus on the here and now—the food, the company, the conversation. Laugh loud Just anticipating a happy, funny event can raise levels of pleasure—inducing hormones and lower production of stress hormones. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, tested 16 men who all agreed they thought certain videotape was funny. Half were told three days in advance they would watch it. They started experiencing biological changes right away. When they actually watched the video, their levels of stress hormones dropped significantly, while their pleasure—inducing hormone levels rose27 percent and their growth hormone levels (indicating benefit to the immune system) rose 87 percent. Go to sleep We have become a nation of sleep-deprived citizens. Taking a daily nap or getting into bed at 8 p. m. one night with a good book—and turning the light out an hour later—can do more for your mood than any number of bubble baths or massages. Hum along Music can make more than savage beasts calm down. Studies find music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness. It's also relaxing. In one study older adults who listened to their choice of music during outpatient eye surgery had significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure, and cardiac workload (that is, their heart didn't have to work as hard as those who had silent surgery). Delutter(减少杂乱) It's nearly impossible to mediate, breathe deeply, or simply relas when every surface is covered with papers and bills and magazines, and you haven't balanced your checkbook in six months. Plus, the reptitive nature of certain cleaning tasks—such as sweeping, wiping, and scrubbing--can be meditative in and of itself if you focus on what you're doing. Just say no Eliminate activeties that aren't necessary and that you don't enjoy. If there are enough people already to handle the church bazaar and you're felling stressed by thought of running the committee for yet another year, step down and let someone else handle things. Make a list There's nothing like writing down tasks to help you organize your thoughts and calm your anxiety. Checking off each item provides a great sense of fulfillment. &