Look around you. How many people do you know that are genuinely happy? If you answered plenty, then that’s great – if not then maybe it’s time to step back and reevaluate your own happiness levels. Are you truly happy with where you are in your life right now? For those of us who could use a bit (or a lot) of a push in the positive direction, we’ve compiled a few simple steps that you can take today, to help you on your quest to find, restore or increase your happiness levels:
Work on Relationships
Whether we’re talking friends, partners or acquaintances – the way we operate and function in relationships is crucial to our own happiness levels. Feelings of apprehension, negativity, and lack of support in relationships can lead to a decrease in our own feelings of self-worth, satisfaction and general happiness. Relationships are hard work, but that’s why they are so rewarding! Put the same effort in care into all those relationships around you and you will see them grow and evolve… much like a plant! Improving the communication and connections around you will help you feel more wanted and loved, leading to improved levels of happiness. There’s never been a better excuse to organize a girls night out!
It’s in the Mind
For most of us, there are two general influential factors that impact our happiness levels:
1. Our surroundings; Like what we do for work, where we live, who we associate with etc..
2. Our thoughts process.
In cases where it is your surroundings that are making you unhappy – it’s time to make a change! Whether it’s quitting that job or moving somewhere else – work towards changing the factor that is making you unhappy. For some though, the power of the mind can overpower our surroundings, no matter how great they may be! Two big pointers we love to live by when it comes to being happy include conquering negative thoughts and practicing optimism. Simple steps like repeating a positive mantra to yourself when you wake up and before going to sleep, or treating yourself as you would others can go a long way when it comes to finding happiness. It takes time and patience, so be prepared to invest in yourself. You’ll be better off for it!
Get Outdoors
They say that simply stepping outdoors after being indoors leads to huge improvements in a person’s mood… and they are right. Psychologists and doctors alike agree that getting outdoors is a crucial factor for those looking to improve their happiness levels. Step outside of your daily routine and take a moment to pause, and appreciate mother nature. It’ll help you clear your head, which helps you to relax and enjoy the moment. Whether it’s the exposure to Vitamin D, the calm of the outdoors, or the sound of waves crashing on the shore, researchers agree that even something as simple as taking a walk in nature can significantly reduce stress and unhappiness. Being outside can emphasize notions of perspective which can help with feelings of frustration, sadness, and melancholy.
Just Breathe
Why do we tell people to take deep breaths when they are about to embark on a big step or are trying to take a moment? Well, it’s a great way to calm your nervous system and in turn, the reactions our body often takes in stressful, upsetting or compromising situations. Controlled breathing changes signals in your brain, and instigates feelings of calmness and control. Practicing controlled breathing on a regular basis can help with managing feelings that can make you unhappy. For instance, when you take shallow, rapid breaths or hold your breath, the sympathetic response is activated – taking you away from feelings of calm. Integrating controlled breathing into your daily life is an easy and great way to also align inner peace and clear your mind, which is why exercises like yoga and meditation concentrate on breathing.
