Philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, "Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder." 

For me, happiness is one of the most misunderstood words in our vocabulary! The ancient yoga and spiritual teachings stress that happiness is real only when we let go of seeking material and transient things and discover the lasting joy that is within. To behaviorists, happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good or positive. To neurologists, happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a reward for behavior that prolongs survival. On the other hand, according to the tenets of several major religions, happiness indicates the presence of God. 

While people will always search for their own meaning of happiness, let me put forward some ways, by which you can attain this almost unattainable! 

1.Be comfortable with your skin 

I mean this in three ways- physically, emotionally and sexually. Physically you need to accept your body whether it is a bald head or a tiny frame or a long nose. Emotionally, you need to be with people who make you feel good about yourself and not put you down. Sexually, you need to accept your leanings and hidden dreams and be comfortable with your desires. 

2.Enjoy the wind, the Sun, the rain and the outdoors 

We sit too often indoors, playing games, watching serials or lazing around. A good doze of the natural elements triggers a feel good- the wind in the hair, the sun on your back, the rain on your skin - all these are mentally and spiritually rejuvenating. 

3.Do what you enjoy 

Be at work or at leisure, you must enjoy what you do. When you are doing things you enjoy, they do not create stress, rather they alleviate them. So if you like travelling and meeting new people, it will be more beneficial for you to take on a sales job (even if it means a lower income) over a accounts job. The same thing holds true for leisure- one has such little leisure time, that it is better to spend the limited time doing things you enjoy with people you love. 

4.Socialise with people younger and older to you 

One can make friends with people of all ages , gender and walks of life- the different perspectives are refreshing and eye opening. One sees a continuum of time, one learns that some things that trouble us are transient, we learn and we teach- all this is therapeutic. 

5.Travel 

Travel not to just see sights but to meet different people, sample different tastes, keep your mind alert and active, hear different tongues, handle different situations making one feel alive and excited. We were wanderers by nature in the past, and travel brings out the nomad in us, unfettered and free. 

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