What’s one thing that’s priceless (in case, we stick to the basic definition) and has the power to elucidate the darkest days? Happiness it is! Happiness is one of those few things which is simple yet often looked upon as pronouncing Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the longest city name!

Every day, we are in a perpetual quest for happiness, a peaceful mind and a sorted life. But, it is interesting how consciously or subconsciously, we do things which stop us from being truly happy or meddle with our peace of mind.

These are simple things that can (and should) be corrected to be in a happy state of mind. The more we resist, the more we push ourselves away from happiness. Unknowingly, we become even more elusive from the concept of happiness.

Here are 9 basic things that we must stop doing to be happy.

1. Whining

Whining or constant complaining about life, people, or things, in general, is irritating for self as well as people around you. If things are not happening the way you want them to, maybe it’s the approach that needs to be changed. Complaining about it will not help; instead, it keeps you away from being happy.

2. Expecting People To Praise You

You might have achieved a great deal of things and you want to be appreciated for the same. Who doesn’t like a pat on the back for something really awesome they achieved? Everyone does, but the point we are trying to make here is, we can’t expect people to come and massage your ego and pump you up. You, your actions, your achievements should make you feel happy from within.

3. Being Mad At Something/Someone

In our daily lives, we end up holding grudges over people’s actions or their words. We sulk, brood or ponder over it but choose not to talk about it to the concerned person or change our own way of looking at it. If something has been bothering you or constantly attacking your peace of mind, talking it out is the best way. Stop looking over things, instead just speak your heart out and feel lighter and be happier.

4. Postponing

This may not look appropriate in this list, but honestly, procrastination is one of the things that make you unhappy. We plan things and we, ourselves keep delaying it for some reason or the other. If something needs to be done, you must do it.

5. Feeling Stuck At One Place

More than the ‘rights’ that should have happened, we are often stuck in the ‘wrongs’ that happened. To be happy, one must stop dwelling in the past or thinking about things that could have been better or occurred the way you anticipated them. Constantly worrying about the past keeps you away from being happy. At the end of the day, one needs to master the art of letting go.

6. Thinking Too Much

Anything in excess can be dangerous. And, thinking obsessively about the past, present, future or anything/anyone in particular, is dangerous. It blocks our mind from focusing on the fundamental object of life which is to stay happy.

7. Dwelling In Negativity

To be happy, it is foremost to move away from any sort of negativity around you. Mostly everyone has the power to detect the negative vibes they get from others or any situation. It hampers your state of mind.

8. The Blame Game

Whether you have what you want or you don’t have, one thing that we need to stop doing is blaming others for it. You might think it is convenient to put the blame on people for something that went wrong in your life, but you will never feel happy about it. Even if others are responsible for it, don’t stay tangled, for there is no end to playing the blame game.

9. Stop Doing Whatever Makes You Unhappy

Having mentioned all of these pointers above, the last yet the most common (and basic) way to be happy is to stop doing anything that causes unhappiness. All you need to do is identify what puts you off and stop doing it.

You see; happiness doesn’t cost a thing!