All you ever wanted to know about happiness and then some
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Day 21
With all this background knowledge, you should keep the following in mind: even the greatest philosophers were not able to get to the bottom of happiness. So if happiness for you is a bowl of jelly, you shouldn't let others spoil this pleasure for you!
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Inner Balance
The people who seem the happiest are those with well-balanced personalities; after all, you will never find happiness in other people, but only within yourself. However, it is possible to find inner balance. Maybe you will never master this discipline, but you can be sure of one thing; if you stick to the following advice, you will find it easier to find and to accept yourself. And remember: on the whole you will feel more balanced, contented and also happier than before.
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Day 22
Inner balance means, amongst other things, being less dependent on the opinions of others. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't accept criticism or shouldn't be happy about the praise of others -- it simply means that your mood shouldn't depend on what others think of you.
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Day 23
You need a lot of self-confidence, but especially a mind of your own so that you're not dependent on the opinions of others. Train yourself to make up your own mind by forming an impression of important political and/or cultural events, obtain various opinions and arguments for the different viewpoints and make your own judgement based on this information.
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Day 24
In discussions, stick to your viewpoint if you have valid arguments. However, this doesn't mean that you should be stubborn. If the other person has better arguments, allow yourself to be convinced.
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Day 25
Discussions promote our ability to gain acceptance, but also to listen to others. You will notice that you gradually become more secure and self-confident. You will accept yourself to a greater exent, which is an important step towards reaching inner balance.
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Day 26
To find inner balance, it is necessary to avoid external negative stress as much as possible (even though this might have rather a euphoriant effect at first due to the release of stress hormones). Negative forms of stress are, amongst other things, expectations at the workplace that are too high or trouble with colleagues, friends, your partner or family.
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Day 27
The most frequent negative stress factors are expectations that are too high -- at work or in every day life. People who can't say not or can only do so with difficulty are the most often affected. They are constantly allocated new tasks by their bosses, their colleagues, friends, or family members that they can hardly cope with on top of their usual tasks. If you are one of these people, you must learn to say no.
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Day 28
As a person who habitually says yes you must come to terms with the idea that it doesn't really matter if you occassionally refuse a task that you are asked to do. No one is going to eat you. At the most you will get some disappointed looks, or the others will try and persuade you otherwise. Try and say no to the next task that is too much for you or that you don't feel like doing, and don't let the reactions of others change your mind.
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Day 29
On the other hand, you should also make some demands on your colleagues, your family members, or firends. You could mention that you have also helped them in the past. Soon you will notice that these people will stop making so many demands on you because you are asking for something in return.
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Day 30
Even when your boss asks you to do something you are allowed to say no occassionally. However, you shouldn't moan, but use good arguments to back up your decision. For example, you could cite an order that is far more important than anything else at that moment. If you have good reasons for your refusal, your boss will have to agree with you and you needn't fear repercussions for your career.
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Day 31
If you have extreme difficulties saying no, you should first of all train this skill within your family or amongst good friends, i.e. people who are well disposed towards you. Refuse a date if you don't have the strength or don't feel like it, and give the true reason for your refusal.
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32
You should try and reduce negative stress so that it doesn't affect your mood, make you depressed or ill. In times of continuous stress, the body releases more hormones that increase susceptibility to disease. There are a number of ways of reducing stress and finding inner peace -- after all, you cannot steer clear of stressful situations all the time.
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33
Movement is a very effective way of reducing stress. Even though you will find it exhausting, physical exercise makes sure that stress hormones are being used up. At the end of the training session you will feel better and full of energy.
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34
Stamina training such as cycling or running is especially good for reducing stress. Depending on your age, you should find time twice or three times a week for one hour to 90 minutes of training to feel better.
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35
Amongst other things, sport has a positive effect on inner balance because the concentration of the "happiness hormone" serotonin in the brain is increased a lot during training. This effect will last for several weeks.
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36
One of the sports that are especially favourable for your well-being and inner peace is cycling. The regulare movements will give you a feeling of security. On top of this, you are outside in the fresh air, you can enjoy nature and breathe deeply. Last but not least, it is a sport that can be practiced at all ages.
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38
When you run long enough, you will eventually reach the "runner's high" --- that moment when the body releases soothing and euphoriant endorphins. However, it takes some time and a lot of training to reach this point.
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39
A great way to become happy is to go for a walk. You don't even have to walk exepecially fast. Simply enjoy being outside in nature, feel your body move and let all the impressions around you work on your mind.
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