10 Life-Changing Ways to Increase Your Happiness
CindyIs there a secret to being happy? Let's face it — happiness can be fleeting; it's never permanent. Enjoy the good times while they are here and work toward them when things are glum. Don't lament that you aren't happy; be thankful for the small moments you are. In the meantime, here are some things that can boost your chances of finding happiness.
1. Physical Health Matters
Get enough sleep, meaning 7-8 hours per night. Move your body for 30 minutes every day. It doesn't have to be a complete workout or long-distance running — it can be as basic as a long walk every day. Choose something you enjoy so you'll do it every day. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. A person says, “Maintain a balanced lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively.”
2. Mental Health is Important
Cultivate a positive mindset. Try to see the positive in any situation and the good in any person. Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk. Be grateful for what you have. Compliment yourself at least once a day – focus on what you're doing well. Always seek the positive when you confront an obstacle. One advised, “Put yourself, health, and mental wellness first.”
3. Take a Break from Social Media
FOMO (fear of missing out) can make it seem that everyone is doing better than you — a sure trigger of unhappiness. Remember that what you see on social media is often exaggerated, and you're only seeing people's best moments. An individual says that one key to happiness is “staying the heck off social media.”
4. Stop Comparing
Track your own progress. Don't worry about what other people are doing — compare yourself to where you were in the past. This will help you see how you're progressing. Are your friends further along in their careers? Don't worry; your time will come. “Don't compare,” advised one user. “Be contented. Do you.”
5. Practice Mindfulness
This is one of the best ways to boost happiness. Take a little time to experience your environment with all of your senses engaged — touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For example, when eating a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste, and truly enjoy it. When you have negative thoughts, sit down, take a deep breath, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Doing this for even a minute can help. One user said, “Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing will help calm your mind and reduce stress.”
6. Treat Yourself
Do something you enjoy every day. Have a hobby, do things with friends, play with a pet, take a bath, play a musical instrument, watch a movie – anything that gives you joy. One user advised, “Make time for self-care activities that rejuvenate and recharge you.”
7. Be Yourself
Focus on improving your weaknesses so you can overcome them. Everybody has weaknesses. Overcome yours by learning new skills or cultivating new habits that address them. One user said,” Master skills so that you enter a flow state doing things others find difficult.”
8. Express your Emotions
Keeping everything bottled up is a sure road to unhappiness. Get them out there by doing something creative, exercising, or just talking it over with someone. “You need a skill or hobby you can use to express yourself,” said one user.
9. Surround Yourself with Positive People
Nothing can sap your happiness faster than complainers, nay-sayers, and people spouting negativity. Find people who make you feel uplifted and spend time with them. “Nurture and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and loved ones,” said a girl. “Surrounding yourself with supportive and positive people can enhance your happiness.”
10. Be Part of a Community
Being part of a group is one of the most basic human needs. Connect with people around you, especially those with common interests. Join a club or a church group, play a sport, or go online to find groups related to your interests in your area. As one says, “Being respected in your community is one of the most basic human needs for happiness.”
This post was inspired by this thread.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
