“It’s not striving for happiness that matters, but enabling yourself to have the experiences that make you happier. Spend time with someone who matters to you, pursue your passions, and give back to the community.”
-Rose Caiola
We all want to be happy. Our culture has become obsessed with the word happiness. And so has science and psychology. We have researchers around the globe studying the happiness phenomenon, with the goal of helping every one of us reach that state of total bliss. However, it must remain clear that being happy does not entail being content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are allowed to have sleepless nights, stressful days and heartbreaks. However, the test of true happiness is our ability to use voluntary actions towards bouncing back to that state of optimism and motivation. Here are a few tips for being happier today:
1. Decide
If you make the decision to be happy, you will be much more likely to get there. Enjoy the simple things in your everyday life.
2. Set a calming, morning routine
Our mornings tend to set the tone for the rest of our day. Try to wake up earlier than usual, get some morning stretches, drink coffee or tea, eat a warm breakfast and enjoy grounding meditation before you head out the door.
3. Know it is impossible to please everyone
Don’t let criticism or others’ opinions change the way you live your life.
4. Avoid negative people and conversations
Negativity and pessimism are like the plague; they spread quickly. This includes complaining and gossip. Surround yourself with people who reflect the energy you want to have. Try to steer clear of conversations and people who drain your energy.
5. Have many interests
Being a medical physician or a pre-school teacher doesn’t mean you can’t paint anymore or teach yoga or work at your community’s art fair. Learn how to create a balance between your life and your hobbies. Keep interested in more than one thing, and develop a passion for more than your career.
6. Get over things
Let go of the past, and know that good things are coming.
7. Be kind
Do whatever you can for those less fortunate. Volunteer, talk to colleagues in need and give a helping hand in any way you can.
8. Be grateful
Finding gratitude for what you have – something as simple as having a pair of shoes to wear and clean water – will help you focus on the good things and become an optimist. List three things you’re grateful for each day. After a few weeks, you will notice a shift in your perspective.
9. Exercise
When you exercise, you’re doing more for yourself than simply maintaining a healthy body weight. You are sending oxygen to your brain and increasing endorphins, which help keep you motivated and uplifted.
10. Keep busy!
Find something – preferably many things – you love, and dive in.
This article originally appeared on East to Wellness and is republished here with permission.
