Wellbeing

How to cultivate contentment, rekindle romance and nix night terrors

- Compiled by Tasneem Larney

Many of us are obsessed with the constant pursuit of happiness, or wondering what it will take to finally 'get there'. Ironically, research shows this focus often backfires. Happiness is fleeting by nature, lasting minutes or hours at best. What's more sustainable, say psychologists, is contentment – a calm, grounded sense of satisfaction that comes from doing things that are meaningful and enjoyable, not from forcing happiness. Here are ways to cultivate contentment.

HANG OUT WITH OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE: Positivity is contagious. Spend more time with people who uplift you, and less with those who drain your energy.

LISTEN TO MUSIC: Listening to uplifting music can boost your mood – especially when you expect it to. Create a playlist that makes you feel good and use it to reset your energy during the day.

GIVE BACK: Helping others can lift your mood and give you purpose – but only if it’s genuine. Volunteer for something that truly resonates with you, not just to ‘do good’.

FIND NEW FELLOWSHIP: Don't be discouraged if you make a new friend but things ultimately fizzle out. Not every friendship is forever, so focus instead on meeting as many new people as you can. ‘Make friends with a net, not a fishing pole,’ as the saying goes.