Happiness is hard to define or point a finger at. It comes to us in various forms and everyone experiences it in their own way. On the other hand, negative feelings are quite universal. Frequent feelings of unhappiness are associated with shorter lifespans and physical dissatisfaction. In the article you can read a list of 10+ habits shared by unhappy people. Maybe it helps you ward off unpleasant feelings.
They overdo it with material goods.
The physical world and material goods are, of course, an important aspect of satisfying everyday needs. However, people who invest too much of their energy in the accumulation of material goods are more unhappy.
They often spend their free time in solitude.
Unhappiness often squeezes us into a lonely corner. When we're unhappy, we feel like a burden to others, so we often don't ask for help when it's absolutely necessary. So we get caught up in a vicious cycle of loneliness and unhappiness.
They experience themselves as victims.
Individuals who do not take responsibility for themselves and their lives are often unhappy more and for longer. Everyone has the right to feel their emotions as they are, but putting yourself in the position of a victim does nothing to solve the problem.
They are pessimistic.
Nothing empowers unhappiness more than pessimism. A cynical approach and a negative outlook on life only make the situation worse. If you happen to fall into a cycle of negative thoughts, try to consciously shift your attention to the positive aspects of your current life.
They make an elephant out of a fly.
Problems are part of our everyday life. And almost no one is spared anything in life and everyone has to face really difficult situations once or twice. Therefore, in cases where things are not so bad, do not act on the fly.
Rumination
Rumination is an obsessive preoccupation with a problem, which does not lead to a constructive solution, but only deepens our distress. People who ruminate are more unhappy. The problem hangs over their heads all the time, but the solution does not appear.
They are overly critical.
Criticism and self-criticism do not contribute to a better mood or deeper happiness. Of course, they are necessary for reflection, but don't overdo it. Be gentle and patient with yourself and others.
They compare themselves to others.
Unhappy people compare themselves to others much more often. Not only does this add to your unhappiness, it's also completely irrational. The neighbor's grass always seems greener to us, although this may not be true at all.
It's hard to forgive.
Forgiveness is primarily for the one who forgives. This gives him the opportunity to leave the past alone and focus on new challenges and plans for the future. Those who do not forgive are more unhappy.
They complain.
Complaining and sincerely seeking social support are two completely different things. Sincerely seeking social support is an important step in overcoming stressful emotions, but on the other hand, constant complaining only makes the situation worse.
They are passive.
Of course, sometimes life hits us so hard that we just lie in bed. However, everything in this world has an expiration date. And so should it be with passivity. The sooner you actively deal with the problem, the sooner you will solve it.
