If this dimpled smile and beautiful photo of Abhay Deol isn’t enough to brighten your day, his motivational post on what keeps him happy will surely do the trick! The actor lists five very practical but also very effective happiness tips to slow down your day and make every minute count. “Enjoy the process,” he says, explaining that the end result cannot determine your success. The World Happiness Index 2023 ranks India 126th, also below its neighbors Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Now that has to change, right? So here are some tips on how to be happy, shared by the Bollywood actor!
Happiness tips from Abhay Deol
In an Instagram post, Abhay Deol shared his best happiness tips!
1. Set your goals
This doesn’t have to be a long, complicated task of spreadsheets and five-year plans! Abhay Deol says it’s important to take a few minutes every day and think about what you would like to accomplish in the day before you get started. “Before you start your day, take at least 5 minutes to set an intention for the day.” A study conducted by the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, USA, shows how a five-minute morning meditation session can not only reduce stress levels but even make you more aware and attentive.
2. Become your ideal self for a moment
Abhay Deol also lists several thinking points for your 5-minute meditation session. “Think about the things you are grateful for. Focus on what you would like to be. Become your ideal self for a moment,” he writes. Well, what is your ideal self? It is the person you want to become, along with your dreams, aspirations, aspirations and life experiences. Dr. Imran Noorani, consultant psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says, “Your ‘ideal self’ refers to the person you want to be in terms of values, behavior and character. It is a concept often used in self-improvement and personal development. Defining your ideal self can help you set goals and work towards becoming the best version of yourself. It is a very personal and evolving concept that can change as you grow and develop throughout your life.”
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3. Enjoy the process
It’s all about being optimistic and enjoying the process. Abhay Deol says, ‘It’s not out there, it’s in here. Enjoy the process of discovering the patterns that will lead you to your goals.” Being happy in the moment is integral. A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health speaks about the relationship between optimism and success. The research further proves that optimists are more successful than pessimists, even in times when things don’t go their way. According to the research, they also adapt better to using coping tactics.
4. Be grateful
“Be grateful for the opportunity, and you will soon forget the purpose because you will fall in love with the process. You will be present in the moment,” he writes. Psychologists Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, conducted a study in which they asked participants to write a few sentences about certain topics they gave them. One group wrote about what they were grateful for during the week, while the other group wrote about what they were irritated and dissatisfied with about the week’s events. The third group of people only listed the events of the week. The first group turned out to be happier and even had fewer doctor visits!
Also read: 6 reasons why gratitude can change your life
5. Understand the power of your mind
The power of our mind is incomparable to that of any other part of our body. A study conducted by clinical psychologist Beth Darnall, PhD, shows that our perception of pain can change the way we actually feel. Her work shows that “pain catastrophizing,” or the expectation of pain and feelings of helplessness that comes with it, can result in longer hospital stays, severe pain, and more painkillers. In his post, Abhay Deol says, “I know a few days ago it was World Mental Health Day. But if you would understand the power of your mind, every day will be a day of mental health.” And we agree with him!