Happiness looks different for everyone. Have you ever sat and thought about what makes you happy? Do you have a list in your head that you refer back to when you are having a bad day?
When you are happy, it feels like there is no goal that you can’t achieve, not to mention how relaxed you feel when you're not stressed. Regardless of what true happiness looks like to you, living a happier and more satisfied life is within reach. Just a few changes to your regular habits and you will be successful.
Habits are important. Have you ever tried to break bad habits? It is really difficult! Like bad habits, good habits are deeply engrained too. So, why not work on incorporating positive habits into your life that will bring happiness?
Below I'm discussing 9 simple ways to add happiness to your daily life.
1. Reflect on what makes you happy
With life’s stresses and anxieties happening all the time, they can stop you from focusing on what is truly important to you. So, taking the time to self-reflect on what is truly important to you and makes you smile.
By taking the time to think or even write down what makes you happy allows you to affirm the feelings of happiness and you can make them more of an occurrence in your daily life.
2. Unplug your devices
Turn off all the electronics and move away from your phone regularly. Taking time out enables you to live more mindfully and be present, whether that is with loved ones or on a different activity. Research and studies have found that reducing social media usage can actually make you feel less lonely and isolated, which will improve your overall wellbeing and mental health.
When you live more mindfully, you are reminded of the small things in life that can make you happy.
3. Deal with stress immediately
Life comes with stress and it is impossible to avoid it- we will all feel stress in our lives. Some stress is good for you, and researchers say it promotes resilience, motivation and personal growth.
When you are experiencing stress you need to remind yourself that you are stronger than you think. Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed you need to face what is causing you stress head on; this could mean initiating an uncomfortable conversation, or putting in some extra work.
Here are some strategies to help you deal with stress:
Avoid unnecessary stress- avoid people who stress you, or learn to say no when you cannot take on additional tasks for example.
Adapting your mental response to stress in your life- reframe things that seem to stress you. For example, if you are stuck in traffic on public transport, why not use the additional time to reflect on your day or listen to music.
4. Practice gratitude
Practising gratitude is not only a source of positivity, but it can also enable you to better your mental health. There are plenty of ways to practice gratitude, and keeping a gratitude journal is the most popular way to do this.
A gratitude journal is a diary where you can write down what you are grateful for, it is that simple. Gratitude journaling allows you to focus your attention on positive areas of your life and show appreciation for what you have. Showing gratitude can improve self-esteem when you notice positive emotions, relive good experiences and build strong relationships; these will allow you to live a happier life.
5. Get outside into nature
Nature is a magical thing and can have strong healing powers such as improving your mood and boost your immune system. Being outdoors improves your wellbeing by:
Lowering your blood pressure
Reducing stress
Improving your mood
Boosting your focus
Speeding up healing
Just simply taking a walk outside in nature where you can appreciate the sun and scenery reduces stress immediately, making you happy. Regularly including time in nature into your schedule is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.
6. Find a good read!
Any type of book can stimulate your mind. Reading has been shown to put your brain into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation; it brings you the same health benefits of deep relaxation and a sense of calm. It is proven that regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, have higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression. Every time you finish a book, it creates a sense of achievement.
Personal development books can be hugely valuable. Reading personal development books can increase your self-belief, clarity and focus challenges yourself and improves your confidence. When you are feeling confident, you feel happier.
7. Get plenty of sleep
Have you ever had a rubbish night’s sleep and been moody or unhappy all day? Me too! We all have those days! Sleep can massively impact your mood and emotions. Sleep gives you more energy and improves your libido and mood. The amount of sleep you get is linked to your mood. Poor or a lack of sleep can cause you to be irritable and led to stress, thus bringing down your mood.
Having healthy sleeping habits can help you to live a happier life. Here are 4 healthy sleeping habits that you should practise:
Have a cut off time for caffeine
Check your sleep environment
Set up a scheduled wake an sleep time
Reduce your blue light exposure in the evening
8. Get creative
Small acts of creativity in everyday life increase your overall sense of wellbeing. People assume that you are born creative, but that is not true; everyone can be creative, you just need to find the perfect creative activity for you. There are many benefits to participating in regular creative activity including:
Boosting your self-esteem
Improving your mood
Alleviating stress and anxiety
Boosting your self-confidence
Being able to express yourself
Being able to clarify thoughts and feelings
Finishing a creative task or project gives you a sense of achievement and accomplishment that increases confidence and your mood. There are a variety of creative activities. These are 10 popular activities:
Journaling/writing
Scrapbooking
Gardening
Painting
Knitting
Take photographs
Doodling
Cook or bake
Learn to play an instrument
Learn a new language
9. Get moving
Whether it is going to the gym or just doing the housework, getting your body moving and your heart rate up is vital for both your health and happiness. When you exercise, it increases levels of: endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline and endocannabinoids- all brain chemicals associated with feeling happy. This leads to feeling confident, more capable and reduce feelings of pain, stress and anxiety.
You are in charge of your own happiness. You control how you react to situations and how others treat you. You have the right to live a happier life!
What ways do you like to add happiness into your daily life? I’d love to hear in the comments.
