How happy are you on a day-to-day basis? It can be challenging to feel good when life is stressful or difficult. Even if everything isn’t going your way, there are steps you can take to create a bit more happiness in your life.
Don’t wait for good luck to come your way; start building healthy, positive habits that can bring a little more sunshine to your life.
1. Make Gratitude and Positivity Habitual
Take a moment to think about how much time you spend daily focusing on the negative. For most people, it’s easy to concentrate on everything that’s going wrong. In truth, most people have a lot to be thankful for, but gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. It’s a skill that has to be practiced and reinforced before it becomes a more genuine response.
Start by keeping a journal and writing down just one thing you can be grateful for at the end of each day. Over time, you can expand this to a longer list or practice the activity throughout the day instead of just at the end. Also, try to be more aware of your negative thoughts. When they arise, replace or correct them with something positive and truthful. Over time, positivity and gratitude can become a more natural, even when things don’t go your way.
2. Develop Some Healthy Self-Care Rituals
Sometimes, you just need to give yourself a little more self-care to optimize your mood. This is especially true for people who have stressful or demanding jobs or are caregivers to children or other family members. There are plenty of simple, positive activities you can practice to help you feel calmer.
Also, read: 25 Absolute Moments Of Happiness You Fail To Appreciate In Your Chaotic Life, But Should
Good personal hygiene is a great place to start. Taking a shower, applying some hydrating skincare products, or simply brushing and flossing your teeth are all simple rituals that can help you get a good start on the day. Drinking a cup of tea in your favorite spot, reading a chapter of a good book, or taking a walk around your neighborhood are also simple but effective ways to practice daily self-care.
3. Spend Time In-Person With People You Love
Humans are social creatures, and a sense of community is very important in maintaining your mental health. While connecting online or over the phone can have its benefits, interacting face-to-face has even more advantages, such as building trust. Set aside time to meet in person with the people who matter most to you, whether it’s family members, friends, or both. It’s a great opportunity for relieving stress, deepening relationships, and having a good laugh, all of which can contribute to more happiness and overall satisfaction in your life.
4. Exercise More Often
It’s no secret that exercise has numerous benefits, from maintaining a healthy weight to supporting your energy levels. Moderate to vigorous exercise can also impact your brain in positive ways. Numerous studies have shown that it can:
- Release feel-good endorphins to support your mood
- Optimize focus, concentration, and memory
- Reduce occasional stress and minimize the stress response in the future
While even just a little exercise can offer some serious perks, try to get at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. Remember to talk with a physician before you begin a new workout program as well.
5. Give Sacrificially to Others
If you find yourself focusing a little too much on your own happiness, it may be time to turn your attention outward. Helping other people can be a great way to optimize your own mood by giving you a better sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether you give your time, resources, or funds, even small sacrifices can yield big rewards. Just remember to set boundaries so you can still care for yourself in the process.
More happiness is attainable when you choose to create it in your life. Making small but positive changes is a great place to start.