Page 37 - Intra Muros October 2021

TODAY’S CHILD

Autopilot is when both parties know there prefer to stand out if they’re able to. Since interestingly, a change in view can have a
is something to be worked on but politely, purchases are often so common, we tend to really big impact on your overall happiness.
or not so politely, stand back and wait for be more likely to compare what we buy with
the situation to blow over. There is of course others. But experiences always have a bit of a Pick a skill and master it
a valuable time period to allow the dust to unique twist to them... so we are far less likely As it turns out, regularly engaging in your
settle. However, the autopilot phase cannot to make comparisons, and simply enjoy them strengths is a great way to feel better about
go on indefinitely as it results in long-term as they happen. yourself. The long and short of it is that you
damage to the relationship. should find something to excel in and do it as
Experiences are social: As human beings are often as you can.
Some tips to being proactive in your social creatures, experiences get us out of
relationships: our house and sometimes out of our comfort Aim high
• Regularly check-in with good friends zone, which forces us to interact with others. People with the ability to set objectives for
• Celebrate the good things in their lives and themselves, both short-term and long-term,
yours. Show some appreciation are happier. Goals really do seem to add a
• Do not only talk about yourself and your It seems obvious to state that appreciating sense of meaning, direction, and focus to life
problems. Talk about theirs too. what we have and who we have in our lives that can easily become absent, if we don’t
• Taking care of yourself is a part of taking adds to our happiness. The challenge comes have anything we are currently striving for.
care of others. Working on improving when we find ourselves in a negative space
yourself benefits both you and those with negative people around us... focusing on Get in tune with your goals and vision. This is
around you. the positive elements then becomes difficult. very important because peoples’ unhappiness
may come from short-term disappointments.
Move beyond the small talk Observe happiness and change This is why creating a vision for your life and
Small talk is obviously important for smoothing perspective having not only short-term goals but long-
into social conversations, especially with new It is most interesting that happiness can be term and life goals is vitally important.
acquaintances. However, in the long term, a a chain reaction. By observing the happiness
happier life seems to be gained from longer, in people around us, we can be happier. It Exercise
more thoughtful conversations. In general, becomes important to surround ourselves Exercise is the biggest boost for happiness.
talking with others is a good thing for our with people who are happy and enrich our The release of endorphins has an addictive
happiness, but when the conversation is always lives. effect, and more exercise is needed to achieve
superficial (or negative), it begins to take a toll. the same level of euphoria over time. Make
Happier people are more socially engaged It is also critical to change your perspective. short- and long-term exercise goals and revisit
with others and have conversations of more The simple act of listing three good things these often.
substance. Deep conversations are often those that happened that day (no matter how small)
we reserve for close friends and family, which increases happiness and decreases depressive So where does this all leave us… do not let
again explains why close quality relationships symptoms. time slip away, do not let one day blend into
are so important for our happiness. the next. Make a conscious effort to chase
Furthermore, putting yourself in someone after happiness each day.
Plan fun and invest in experiences else’s shoes really can make you feel
While spontaneous fun is always a good thing, better about your situation. Perhaps, most “One day or day one. You decide”
it’s often the planning of future activities that
adds to the fun. This ranges from planning
a holiday to planning a dinner out. People
experience more happiness in the planning of
experiences than they do in the purchasing of
goods.
Experiences usually trump goods for the
following reasons:
o Marital, Couples & Family Therapy
Experiences improve over time: Physical
items can get old quickly, the new Mercedes o Counselling Children, Adolescents & Adults
becomes not so new anymore but the o “Teen” Challenges
experience of a holiday away can be relived o Behavioural & Adjustment Challenges
and shared for years to come. o Stress-Related Challenges
o Adjustment to Depression & Anxiety
People revisit experiences more often: o Subject & Career Psychometric Testing
Experiences tend to be recalled more often.
You probably do not reminisce about that first For an appointment please call 083 3761995
bicycle you bought... but it’s likely that you Fees are charged according to Scale of Benefits
fondly remember your first riding lesson.
Practice Address: 27 Fish Eagle Street, Silver lakes, Pretoria
Experiences are more unique: People love Pr. Nr. 0860000114022 | Reg. No.: PS 0080543
comparing themselves to others, and they

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