The How of Happiness IV: Kindness

Positive psychology guru Sonja Lyubormirky’s new book The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want reveals the University of California professor’s research-based tactics for taking control of the 40 percent of happiness and joy within our control. Here, we'll share her advice in an ongoing series:


THE HOW OF HAPPINESS
Step 4: Practice Kindness

By Sonja Lyubomirsky

One of the strongest findings in the literature on happiness is that happy people have better relationships than less happy people. Investing in social relationships is a potent strategy on the path to becoming happier.

Kindness can jumpstart a cascade of positive social consequences. Helping others leads people to like you, to appreciate you, to offer gratitude. It also may lead people to reciprocate in your time of need.

—Pick one day a week to commit one new act of kindness.

—Vary what you do. Surprise someone with a home-cooked meal, an outing, a gift or a phone call. Do something that doesn't come naturally to you.

—At least once a week, do a kind deed about which you tell no one, and expect nothing in return.



The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want
By Sonja Lyubomirsky
Penguin Press HC
Hardcover
Dec. 27, 2007
ISBN-10: 159420148X
ISBN-13: 978-1594201486
available from booksellers everywhere and Amazon.com