Simple mental exercises to achieve happiness

By Johanna Uchtmann Oct 13, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - Happiness is not an insignificant factor in a person's life. It can therefore be helpful to practice a few simple mental exercises that can improve outlook and lift spirits, a happiness expert said in an interview with the German Press Agency dpa.

Starting the day by thinking of something nice or beautiful is one of the tips offered by Ernst Fritz-Schubert. Another is not to ponder the events of the day when trying to fall asleep and don't let problems become bigger than they really are.

The definition of happiness and how to find it are questions that have been grappled with throughout history, but that have never been definitively answered. Schubert says his techniques can help people discover happiness in their daily lives. Seeing the positive aspect in things and keeping the necessary distance are helpful tactics.

When things get to be too much, sometimes standing on a chair can help, Schubert said. That's because problems usually don't seem as big when viewed from a distance. 'Imagine you are ascending in a hot air balloon and looking at the problems from above,' he said. 'You will see that it is actually small.'

An alternative to standing on a chair is to ask yourself this question: 'What role will the problem play in a month?' Placing time between you and the problem often makes clear that big worries often are unfounded.

Schubert also offers advice on things to do in the morning. A good day begins when you look in the mirror, he says. 'You have to imagine what nice things you can expect during the day instead of thinking only about the work that has to be done,' he said.

Equally important is clearing the mind of problems before trying to sleep. Poring over them can just cause restlessness. It is better to fall asleep thinking about what you are grateful for.

Paying someone a compliment also can bring happiness. When the person who receives the compliment is pleased, it often rubs off on the person who made the compliment, Schubert said. In addition friendly people often are received in a friendly manner.

Schubert also has a tip for people having difficulty making a decision. A young person, for example, trying to decide whether to study at a university or to seek less formal training should select two objects, one of them representing the study path, the other training. Let the eye wander from object to object and if it automatically stops to gaze at one of them, then the subconscious has decided.

'This is the way intuition can be included in the decision,' he said. 'Intuition is built on a broad base of experience and we hardly ever gain access to it.'