Author: Aricia Yee

Every one of us has our own individual strengths. To become happier, we should tap on our strengths to help other people.

So, what is a strength?

A strength is a trait, a psychological characteristic over situations and time. When you show your strengths, the people around you are often elevated and inspired by observing the virtuous action.

There are 24 character strengths classified into the virtue of wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, and temperance.

So, how do you discover what exactly is your strength? Simply visit the VIA Character Strengths website to take a FREE personality test.

Here are the results of my top character strengths! Some of it came as a surprise to me…

Regardless of what your strengths are, use your signature strengths every day to maximise work satisfaction, without regard for money or advancement. Use them to make others happy as well.

Especially during tough times like the pandemic, it is important that we provide support to our loved ones.

Images from VIA character strengths 

Happiness is something that we all hope to achieve. However, it may seem difficult at times because there seem to be things that hinder us from becoming happy.

Despite so, here are some tips that you can try that helps you to be a happier person.

Acts of kindness

Image from Pexels 

Have you heard of the saying “a little kindness makes the world go round?” By showing kindness, it can increase one’s well-being and contributes to good relationships as well.

You do not have to go out of your way to show kindness. It can be as simple as complimenting your friend’s outfit and making them feel better, or offering help to someone in need.

Showing gratitude

Image from Pexels 

How many of us actually say “thank you” to our loved ones? Sometimes, the simplest things are the hardest to say. We often take little things for granted and overlook that these little things are worth being grateful for.

People who express their gratitude for each other tend to be more willing to forgive others and less narcissistic.

To start off, you can keep a gratitude journal and write five things you are grateful for each day! No matter how small it is, showing your gratitude can make you happier.

Savouring 

Image from Pexels 

Savouring means that we attempt to fully feel, enjoy, and extend our positive experiences.

Simply put, it means to live in the moment and enjoy the happy feelings that you are currently experiencing.

You can also savour past events by reminiscing on the happy things that you experienced before in life.  Habitual’ savorers are more likely to maintain a happy mood in the absence of positive life events, compared to people who do not savour positive daily events.

Mindfulness 

Image from Pexels 

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improves attention, and promotes self-regulation.

An activity which you can do is meditation.

Here are also some apps that help to track your mindfulness:

Moodflow: Mood journal to keep track of your emotions 

Image from Moodflow 

Healthy Minds: Simple Meditation exercises to do daily 

Image from Healthy Minds 

Now you would have realised that happiness does not exist in a faraway place, but it exists within yourself. Start practising these steps to become happier!