Everyone wants to be happy – that much is obvious. Yet, at the same time, very few of us seem to know how to achieve that goal. Happiness is tricky to define and not always easy to find. Part of it is that our expectations are often too high, but part of it is simply that we are looking for happiness in the wrong place. With that in mind, here are some techniques you can try that will help you to feel more content. Give them a try – you might be pleasantly surprised at how effective they are!
Deal with existing irritations
One of the first actions to take is to remove sources of unhappiness. For example, this might be cutting ties with a toxic friend, quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking, or finally getting round to that home roof repair that needs doing. The idea is to deal with those jobs that you’ve been putting off because they can cause unnecessary stress, which in turn brings down your level of happiness. A sense of accomplishment can also boost our wellbeing, so aim to tick plenty of items off your to-do list and up your productivity.
Embrace mindfulness
Being mindful is a great way to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression – which in turn helps us to become happier. One of the most popular tactics is to keep a gratitude journal. This simply means writing down three new things that you’re grateful for every day and noting the specific reasons why you’re grateful for each one. Over time, this helps you to notice the positive aspects of life rather than the negative ones. Other mindfulness techniques include meditation, breathing exercises, and adult coloring books.
Spend time in nature
Studies have demonstrated that spending time in the great outdoors does wonders for our happiness. It’s been shown to improve both our mental and physical health in several ways. For instance, exposure to sunlight boosts the body’s production of vitamin D, which protects us from numerous medical conditions. Similarly, being surrounded by plants and greenery has been proven to increase our levels of creativity and also boost our mood. Plus, of course, exercise is hugely beneficial for an almost infinite number of reasons. Try adding a 15-minute walk in the park, beach, or forest to your daily routine, and you’re sure to quickly notice a difference.
Adjust your attitude
Our attitude has a huge impact on our happiness. For example, one of the most effective steps you can take is simply to be kinder to yourself. Try practicing self-care by spending quality time on your hobbies, pampering yourself with a spa day, or hanging out with friends and family. If you have a tendency to be self-critical, try to alter your inner voice and pretend as though you’re talking to your best friend rather than yourself. Your tone will quickly change! Likewise, it’s also important to be kind to others. Even tiny gestures such as paying someone a genuine compliment or holding the door open for them can truly make a difference to another person’s day – and give you a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness too!
