Happiness Equations (4)

A Feel Good Formula has been proposed by Dr. Todd Kashdan.

Feeling Good = (Mx16 + Cx1 + Lx2) + (Tx5 + Nx2 + Bx33)

In this equation, M = Live in the moment - appreciate the sounds, smells and sights that you take for granted everyday. Remind yourself every waking hour to do this (M x 16).

C = Be curious - explore the unfamiliar, mysterious, complex, and uncertain aspects of our world once a day (C x 1).

L = Do something you love – if there is anything that provides the framework for a well-lived life it is the presence of activities that are important to us and excite us. Do this once at work and once at play (L x 2).

T = Think of others first – offer compliments, do a good deed and listen. This is not intuitive because many believe you need to love yourself before you can love others. Science has found this to be false. Do this five times a day (T x 5) and you’ll soon see it feels good to make someone feel good.

N = Nurture relationships – dedicate time to a partner, friend or family member twice a day (N x 2). Scientists have discovered that when you observe the happiest people on the planet, every single one has a close, significant relationship with another person.

B = Take care of your body – no, you do not need three per cent body fat, nor do you need to be able to pound through three sets of 15 unassisted handstand push-ups. Taking care of your body is about healthy eating at least three times a day and committing 30 minutes per day to exercise (B x 33).

According to Dr. Kashdan there is no single secret to feeling good, but when these "happiness six" ingredients are carefully attended to, in the right doses, a person will be on target for a happy life.