Why you're not happy (WebMD article)

Found an article on WebMD today called, "Why you're not happy" that gave six common reasons for unhappiness and some ways to overcome them. I was interested to see what it had to say, and not surprised that it quoted Buddhist practitioners and recommended many philosophies we learn in yoga.

The barriers to happiness listed in the article were:

1. Complexity
   Solution: If you simplify your life, you create more space in your day, making it possible to reflect on your life.
2. A breakneck pace
   Solution: Whether you call it meditation, silence, or prayer, taking a “pause” just a few minutes a day can help you “recharge your batteries” and make you feel happier.
3. Negativity (based on attachment)
   Solution: Let go. Compulsive, negative thoughts have a quality of stickiness to them. How you see things and the way you experience the world are strongly linked, making it critical to adopt a positive outlook. Practicing gratitude can increase your positive outlook.
   
4. Despair
   Solution: Find hope. One expert says there are three components essential for hope to thrive: 1) setting meaningful goals, and 2) a plan and 3) motivation to achieve them. Where hope falters, ask yourself, is it with the plan or the motivation? Also, daydream--it’s a wonderful source of hope and, therefore, happiness.
5. Suppressing sadness
   Solution: Feel the "Real". Happiness is not the absence of sadness. Find constructive outlets for sadness and frustration to gain control. Talk to trusted friends or professionals to help convert generalized anxiety and depression into targeted feelings you can address with specific solutions.
6. Navel-gazing (self-absorption)
   Solution: Connect with others. A social network not only provides support, but you recognize that suffering is universal. The fastest way to connect with others is by practicing compassion and caring. Compassion engages us with others, removes isolation, builds resilience, and leads to deep fulfillment.

The article ends with this quote: Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, may have said it best: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want to be happy, practice compassion.”