Life might throw you curveballs from time to time. No matter how lofty or humble your goals are, you will fail from time to time. Therefore, it’s important to be resilient. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to feel happy.
With so much going on in our daily lives, it can be difficult to find time to invest in our own happiness. Following through with the steps on this list will help guide you in the right direction so you can find more enjoyment in the things that matter.
1. Practice Gratitude
A common tactic psychology professionals suggest is to express gratitude. Start your morning by writing a list of things you’re grateful for or reflecting on what you have. Gratitude is essential because we reach for things we want but can sometimes miss when they are right in front of us.
2. Set Goals
Setting attainable goals, big or small, is another way to be happier. If you have a clear vision of what you want, work toward it, and then see it come to fruition, you are more likely to appreciate your work and stay motivated. Research shows that even accomplishing small goals releases dopamine, the hormone that lets us feel good.
3. Stay Present and Practice Mindfulness
While easier said than done, staying present helps reduce stress and increase happiness. When you are present, you are no longer worried about what lies ahead, less likely to feel overwhelmed, and less anxious. One easy way to start practicing mindfulness is by staying focused during a mundane task. For example, while washing the dishes, notice how the water feels on your hands and how the bubbles appear. Pay attention to what is in front of you.
4. Exercise
Exercising naturally releases endorphins and dopamine, which are both feel-good hormones. Moving your body improves cardiovascular health and, thus, your energy. Try going for a walk or doing some stretches every morning. If you work from home, get a standing desk or yoga ball to keep the blood flowing throughout the day.
5. Build Meaningful Relationships
Having friends to lean on and talk to is another way to increase your happiness. Spending time with friends releases other happiness hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. One study suggests that by spending time with a friend, our brains signal that we are safe, avoiding fight or flight stress. Do your best to rid yourself of toxic relationships—those that lack boundaries leave us open to being taken advantage of and hurt.
6. Get Outside
Environmental psychology demonstrates how our surroundings can affect our mood and behavior. One key finding is the benefits of nature. There is a correlation between improved mental well-being and spending time outdoors.
7. Get Rid of Toxic Habits
Most people have toxic habits and don’t even realize they may be taking away from their happiness. Smoking, drinking, and fast food are harmful to your physical health and mental health. There are other, more subtle toxic traits we have, too: putting yourself down, people pleasing, and overusing electronic devices are some examples. Cut down on screen time, especially first thing in the morning.
8. Be Kind
Being kind to others and yourself is an easy step toward a happier life. Research shows that kindness can boost your mood and help develop self-confidence. When we are kind to others, they are more likely to treat us the same which spreads happiness.
9. Volunteer
It may seem counterproductive to think of your own happiness when helping others, but we reap the rewards as well. It’s a win-win. Volunteering builds a sense of purpose and feelings of accomplishment. Both of these attributes are necessary for a person to feel fulfilled.
10. Meditate
There’s a reason why meditation has been around since ancient times. Research suggests that twenty minutes of meditation daily may reduce anxiety and improve your emotional well-being. This insight into happiness is also known to improve sleep and increase productivity. For guided meditation, seek out an app, podcast, or YouTube channel.
11. Take a Vacation
We often assume success, achievement, and money will lead to a happier life. However, taking time off from our busy schedules can be very beneficial. Most people’s happiest memories are from vacations. Traveling allows you to connect with loved ones, revisit your values, and have fun!
12. Savor the Good Moments
From the great days to the simple pleasures of daily life, taking the time to fully savor these moments allows us to recognize in the moment that we are happy. Think of it as a personal gratitude for your existence. To try this out, enjoy a hot shower and stay present. Then, think about how not having hot water or time to shower might impede your happiness.
13. Stop Comparing
Comparing ourselves to others is a terrible habit that most of us are guilty of, and social media has only exacerbated this habit. Nobody posts their flaws, bad days, or nasty arguments for the whole world to see. It is simply a facade; nobody is perfect, and nobody is always blissfully happy.
14. Be Silly
One of the easiest ways to find a happier you is to stop taking life so seriously. Life is short; let yourself be silly. Think back to when you were a kid, had nothing to worry about, and be that person once in a while. Get creative, be spontaneous, dance, be loud, and be yourself.
Most Insights to Happiness Are in Your Control
Recognizing that happiness is not more money, a bigger house, or fame is a great place to start. Everything mentioned above is within your control. Take time to recognize what makes you happy, write it down, and be grateful. Set your goals toward the happiness you want. Be kind. Take a walk. Be silly. You got this!