Barriers to happiness are those issues that are responsible for unhappiness in most people. Here, we have discussed some common and key obstacles to happiness.
The question of what happiness entails is one with no straightforward answer. The question’s meaning is in itself unclear since it’s hard to know what is being asked exactly. Philosophers and scholars of happiness often divide the subject into two areas. Each area refers to a different sense of the term: the state of mind; or a life that flows well for the individual leading it. All things, bad or good, have their reason/s for occurrence. Hence, as we are thankful for our good times, we should also know how to manage our bad times in life.
6 Common Barriers to Happiness
Disappointment
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Most of us have been discouraged at some point in our lives. Mounting daily stress and pressure quickly drain the strength that compels us to give up. People quickly get disappointed when some things don’t turn out their way. Instead of yielding to our disappointment, we can do something to overcome it. We should learn to exercise patience and be persistent. Therefore, we should not be early quitters. Our failure to succeed the first time should motivate us to try another approach until we achieve our goal. Failures should be turned into positive things since they are part of life. Our failures should not bring us down, but they should act as opportunities to rise.
Negativity
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You should not be frustrated by negative people or circumstances. We should learn how to receive compliments and criticisms at the same time. It would help if you never allowed negative words from other people to discourage or defeat you.
Rage
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Rage refers to the intense feeling of displeasure, or uncontrolled emotion usually felt when we become aggrieved. If handled inappropriately, anger can cause great unhappiness. Therefore, it is essential to deal hastily with anger before it evolves into hatred and bitterness. The cause of rage should be established. An enraged person should share their emotions with a counselor or friend. Anger should never be kept bottled up within. Dialog and a listening ear can make an enraged person feel better. Forgiveness also allows us to dispose of excess emotional loads that hold us back and weigh us down. Forgiveness is a priceless virtue, only realized through an honest reconciliation of the past and a sincere openness to new life.
Worry, Anxiety, and Stress
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Worry is an indicator of anxiety, a broader term that describes internal restlessness. Stress is a mental, emotional, or physical factor that causes tension. Left unchecked, the combination of the three may generate more severe disorder. Overcoming these three happiness barriers requires a change in our outlook (perception) of life. A positive attitude should be maintained. Reading scripture and motivational books may influence your perception of life. Lifestyle changes should also be initiated. A start with small and meaningful changes can heal boredom and burnout that cause anxiety and stress. Going on vacation for a break also works excellent. Enough sleep can help fight the restlessness. Adequate exercise and relaxation also release chemicals that aid in decreasing anxiety.
Envy and Jealousy
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Envy originates from dissatisfaction, with envious people always feeling that they receive a raw deal where others are treated much better off than them. It is envy that makes you go for unattainable goals while keeping your focus on others instead of appreciating yourself. On the other hand, jealousy also causes dissatisfaction in a kind of self-torture. Low self-esteem is the primary cause of envy and jealousy. However, believing and trusting in ourselves can help avert this. Moreover, it is good to be appreciative of your blessings.
Pessimism
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Pessimism is synonymous with skepticism. As a skeptic, you will always anticipate negative things. This thought often paralyzes the skeptic from acting. Action may not always result in happiness, but where there is no action, happiness lacks. As a pessimist, you become incredibly cautious that it holds you back from enjoying everyday life or achieving your objectives. Pessimism always begins with negative thinking. Optimism is the answer to pessimism; more optimism begets more happiness.
Conclusively, no matter what barriers to happiness come your way, always bear in mind that every problem has a solution. Often, the solution lies in our hands, and it is upon you to decide how to deal with your barrier. Remember, it is you who is in total control of your life, your feelings, behaviors, thoughts, and attitude. Therefore, you can break all of your happiness barriers if you believe and trust in yourself. It’s only you who can determine the course of your life. The responsibility for your life lies with you.
Image Source: Image by Pexels from Pixabay
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