Skip to main content
MCHS_Logo_2024_BLACK
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones)
      • Primary Care
      • Spine Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Lake City
      • Lake Crystal
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Rochester
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Mysoon Ayuob MD

    Mysoon Ayuob, M.D.

    Family Medicine, Primary Care

    Recent Posts

    • Kids pulling rope exercise station
      Featured Topic
      5 ways slimming screen time is good for your health
      May 29, 2024
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight-loss (Bariatric) Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Friday, March 17, 2023

    How to create happiness

    Topics in this Post
    • Balance Your Mental and Emotional Health
    • Resiliency
    • Behavioral Health
    • Family Medicine
    Sitting, hugging bent knees close

    It may seem hard to believe, but there's much truth behind the idea that happiness is a choice. Although genetics and life circumstances play a role in your level of happiness, you can take steps to increase your enjoyment of life.

    It's unrealistic to snap your fingers and decide to be happy. But if you bring consciousness, gratitude and even frivolity to your day, you'll likely feel happier.

    The bulk of what determines happiness is due to personality, and thoughts and behaviors that can be changed.

    Think about what makes you happy

    You can learn how to be happy — or at least happier. But how can you do that?

    Take time to reflect on these questions to find ways to boost your happiness:

    • What might you be able to reconnect with that bring you joy, contentment or delight?
    • How might you stay focused on the tasks at hand when life continues around you?
    • How might you find novelty in everyday life?
    • What would it look like if you put yourself first instead of making everyone and everything else a priority?
    • When was the last time you spent time immersed in nature?

    If you've been looking for happiness, the good news is that your choices, thoughts and actions can influence your level of happiness. It's not as easy as flipping a switch, but you can increase your happiness level.

    Small steps to increase happiness

    Surround yourself with happy people. Being around people who are content raises your own mood. And by being happy, you give back something to those around you.

    Make a commitment to practice gratitude. Identify at least one thing each day that improves your life. When you find yourself thinking an ungrateful thought, try substituting it for a grateful one. Think about what you're grateful for when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night.

    Don't postpone joy waiting for a day when your life is less busy or less stressful. Look for opportunities to appreciate the small pleasures of everyday life. Focus on the positives in the present moment, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

    Spending time with friends or family, creating a grateful attitude and an optimistic outlook, focusing on your purpose, and living in the present can help you take steps toward being happier.

    Exercise improves mood and provides an emotional lift in your day. Physical activity releases chemicals in your brain that can lead to feeling happier, more relaxed and less stressed. You may feel better about yourself when you exercise regularly, which can improve self-esteem and boost confidence.

    Commit yourself to finding happiness in each day. Use this list to get started:

    • Make a list of activities you used to enjoy but have given up in recent years.
      Choose one to reconnect with and dedicate at least two weeks to it. See if this activity makes you happier and consider making time for it again.
    • Spend at least 10 minutes a day outside.
      Pay attention to the trees, grass, water, breeze or whatever else surrounds you.
    • Consider things that have made you happy and unhappy in the past.
      Make a list and let it help guide your path to happiness.

    Mysoon Ayuob, M.D., is a physician in Family Medicine in Faribault, Minnesota.

    Topics in this Post
    • Balance Your Mental and Emotional Health
    • Resiliency
    • Behavioral Health
    • Family Medicine

    Related Posts

    Redhead resting head on hand 5 tips to keep burnout at bay
    Child and parent holiday crafting Coping with holiday stress: Keeping realistic expectations
    Adult petting black lab dog Building resilience: 9 ways to tame anxiety

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Price Transparency
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Manage Cookie
    © 2018 - 2025 Mayo Clinic Health System