If this dimple-cheeked smile, drop-dead gorgeous picture of Abhay Deol is not enough to brighten your day, his motivational post on what keeps him happy will surely do the trick! The actor lists down five very practical but also very effective happiness tips on how to slow down your day and make each minute count. ‘Enjoy the process,” he says, talking about how the end result cannot define your success. The World Happiness Index 2023 lists India in the 126th position and it ranks below its neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well. Now that needs to change, doesn’t it? So here are some tips on how to be happy, shared by the Bollywood actor!

Happiness tips by Abhay Deol

In an Instagram post, Abhay Deol shared his top happiness tips!

1. Set your goals

This doesn’t need to be a long elaborate task of spreadsheets and five-year plans! Abhay Deol says that it’s important to pause and think for a few minutes every day about what you would like to achieve in your day, before you get started. “Before starting your day, take a minimum of 5 minutes to set an intention for the day.” A study, conducted by the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, US, actually goes on to show how a five-minute morning meditation session can not only reduce stress-levels but actually make you more mindful and attentive.

2. Become your ideal self for a moment

Abhay Deol also lists down various thinking points for your 5 minute-meditation session as well. “Reflect on the things that you’re thankful for. Focus on what you’d like to be. Become your ideal self for a moment,” he writes. Well, what is your ideal self? It’s the person who you wish to become, along with your dreams, ambitions, aspirations and life experiences. Dr Imran Noorani, consultant psychologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says, “Your ‘ideal self’ refers to the person you aspire to be in terms of values, behaviours, and character. It’s 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’s a highly personal and evolving concept that can change as you grow and develop throughout your life.”

3. Enjoy the process

It’s all about being optimistic and enjoying the process. Abhay Deol says, “It’s not out there but 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 talks about the relationship between optimism and success. The study goes on to prove that optimists are more successful than pessimists even during times when things don’t go their way. They are more adaptive to using coping tactics as well, according to the research.

4. Be grateful

“Be grateful for the opportunity, and you will soon forget the goal because you will be 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 from the University of Miami, conducted a research where they asked participants to write a few sentences on particular topics that they gave them. One group wrote about what they were grateful for during the week, while the other wrote about what they were irritated and unhappy with the events of the week. The third group of people merely listed the happenings of the week. The first group were shown to be happier, and they even experienced less visits to the doctor!

5. Understand the power of your mind

The power of our mind is incomparable to that of any other part of our body. In fact, a research conducted by clinical psychologist Beth Darnall, PhD, actually goes on to show our perception of pain can change the way we feel in reality. Her work shows that ‘pain catastrophizing’ or the expectation of pain and feelings of helplessness associated with it, can result in longer stay at hospitals, intense pain and more painkillers. In his post, Abhay Deol says, “I know it was World Mental Health Day a couple of days back. But if you understood the power of your mind, every day will be mental health day.” And we agree with him!