Happiness is a feeling that we all strive for, but it can be difficult to achieve and maintain. However, there are certain things that you can do to increase your overall happiness and well-being. It does not cost a lot of time and they are actually very simple and little things everyone can implement in their lives.
A little reminder: You DON’T have to be happy 24/7. That is maybe even impossible. So don’t force yourself to be happy all the time. Do not ignore those other emotions like anger, sadness and grief. They are a part of life too. Ignoring these emotions can be more damaging. Those so-called negative emotions are valid too. You get them for a reason. They can help you to process loss or other situations. It is healthy. Negative emotions can also help you to figure out what you want in life. If you feel stressed all day long at work, maybe you should ask yourself if this is really what you want.
Increase your overall happiness and well-being
- Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for your physical and mental health, and it can also improve your overall happiness. This includes things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. Getting enough sleep every night will make you feel energetic and fresh in the morning. Your body needs the right vitamins and minerals, which is why you have to eat something healthy every day. Exercising releases feel-good hormones, to give you a positive boost.
- Practice gratitude: Taking the time to appreciate what you have in your life can help you focus on the positive and improve your mood. You can do this by keeping a gratitude journal, sharing what you’re grateful for with others, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the things you’re thankful for. Start your day by thinking about the good things in your life, so you feel good in the morning. End the day by thinking about the good things that happened that day. This will make you feel relaxed and you will fall asleep easily
- Connect with others: Strong social connections are a key factor in happiness. Make time for friends and family, and find ways to connect with others who share your interests. Volunteer or join a community group to meet new people and make a difference in your community. There are so many ways to find new friends. If you love art, find a painting workshop. If you love a certain sport, like tennis, join a tennis club.
- Find purpose: Having a sense of purpose can give your life meaning and make you feel more fulfilled. This can come from your work, your passions, or your relationships. Some people have a hard time figuring out what they really want in life. My advice is to listen to your body and the emotions you’re feeling. If you have the feeling you can do this for hours, then it might be something you like to do. Maybe you love to help animals, maybe you can then volunteer at a shelter. If you love to write, start writing a book, blog, poem or song. If you still have no idea what you want, just try a couple of things to see if you like doing it.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It can help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you and can reduce stress and anxiety. And every time the voice in your head starts talking again, bring your focus back on the thing you were dancing. Bring your attention back to the present moment. Mindfulness is something you have to do a couple of times before it gets easier but it will be worth it.
- Challenge yourself: Setting and achieving goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem. Take on new challenges and learn new skills, whether it’s learning a new language or picking up a new hobby. They say that nothing great comes from staying in your comfort zone. So do something ‘crazy’ each day. Try new recipes, start writing that book you’ve always wanted to write, and ask that person out for a date. It might be scary at first, but you will be grateful that you took action. Don’t be too scared to fail in life. That is just a part of life. It is better to take that risk instead of regretting it when you’re older.
- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a friend. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk and instead focus on positive affirmations and self-care. Don’t listen to that voice in your head that tells you you’re ugly because you’re not. If you want that pizza, make/buy it. You can treat yourself. Buy yourself flowers or a new plant. Go to bed early if you really need it. Don’t force yourself to be happy all the time. That is not healthy. You don’t have to be productive all the time. You can rest and read a book too. Do what feels good to you and not because everyone else is doing it.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can improve your overall happiness and well-being. Remember to be patient with yourself, and remember that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. And you won’t feel happy all the time. Life is filled with ups and downs. But don’t feel angry with yourself when you are not feeling happy. Accept it and be nice to yourself in those moments. Eventually, the sun will start shining again.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash