We all just want to be happy, don’t we? To feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of every day and wake up with enthusiasm for the day that is about to unfold.
How many of us though, can truly say we are happy?
There is so much negativity in the world, wars, tragedies, we can feel overwhelmed. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s going on around you, sometimes you just might need to slow down and breathe.
focus on being happy
One thing I know we can’t control what’s happening around us and we can control how we respond.
I believe that what yuo focus on is what you get. So choose to be happy.
I am not saying you ignore the world around you but choose where you can affect change and focus on those areas of your life. Worrying about things that you cannot do anything about does not help anyone.
SELF CARE
What would happen if you chose to look after yourself first? A bit like the safety talk on an aeroplane – put YOUR oxygen mask on first. Not only will you be happier, but you will be surprised at the positive affect you have on those around you.
Put aside some time to do activities that give you pleasure. It could be as simple as relaxing with a good book, having a massage or starting a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.
Robert Morley
HEALTH
Focus on your health which may be a affecting your mood. Do you take time look after yourself? Are you present to your overall health? Make yourself the priority, after all you can’t be there for others if you are not taken care of yourself.
So next time you find yourself being critical, stop. Give yourself some positive self-talk and whatever you think you can’t do, you can, you just need to figure it out.
It takes some practice but after a while you can start to eliminate all the negative self-talk. It’s not the same as telling yourself you are the best all the time and that everything is perfect, just that you are you and that’s ok.
A major contributor to mood can be gut health. Look at your food. Could you eat a little healthier? Cut out some sugar, eat more fresh vegetables? A food diary is a great way to work out your starting point, it also helps you keep on track when you start making changes.
Get out and move your body, exercise has so many benefits. Depending on your fitness level it could be going to a gym or taking a gentle walk. The bonus with exercise is it’s also great for your mental health.
Make sure you get enough rest. Sleep is so good for you it can boost your immune system, improve your mood and your memory and may even help you lose weight!
MINDSET
You are as happy as you tell yourself you are. Getting your mindset right will have a huge impact on your happiness so why not focus on learning ways to improve it.
A gratitude journal is a great place to start. It has been shown to have positive benefits for many areas of life such as relationships, health, career and general well-being.
RELATIONSHIPS
Humans are happiest when they feel connected, so it makes sense to nurture your relationships. Take the time to spend quality time with the people you care about. You will feel happier and so will they.
You don’t necessarily need a romantic relationship to feel connected. Relationships with friends and family can be just as fulfilling.
SPREAD JOY
If we all just want to be happy, doesn’t it make sense to spread the happiness. Smile at strangers, compliment people, be kind.
It may seem like a simple thing but sometimes a smile can make the difference to someone’s day. And not only that but the act of smiling has been shown to release endorphins that can make you feel happier.
pLAN, Plan, Plan
The old saying if you fail to plan you plan to fail can also influence your happiness. Having clear goals and a plan of how to get there takes a lot of the uncertainty out of life. And its also part of the fun. Think of the last time you went on holiday or had a party. The planning part was a great opportunity to start enjoying the event. Imagining the fun, you were going to have the experiences you would enjoy.
So why not start that type of planning around your future. Where are you headed and how are you going to get there? What are your financial goals? Relationship goals? Career goals? Knowing that you have a plan to achieve them is likely going to help you feel happier.
Choose to be happy
It’s easy to blame your happiness on outside forces. I know I have in the past. The economy, the political landscape, your friends or family. However, you are in control of your own happiness. You get to choose whether to be happy or not.
I am not suggesting that you are never affected by events in your life – life is always going to happen. You just choose not to let it stop you finding the joy in the world. You have the power within you if you are prepared to take responsibility for your own happiness.
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