HOW TO LIVE A HAPPIER LIFE
As someone who often preaches about the benefits of always trying to look on the bright side, I've found myself in somewhat of a funk over the past few days. Living a happy life is something we all strive for. It's about finding joy, contentment, and fulfillment in our everyday experiences. While happiness is subjective and can vary from person to person, there are certain universal principles that can help us live life more happily. Today I wanted to share some of the ways that help me to feel happier, on days when I’m feeling a little blue.
Practice Gratitude
Expressing gratitude regularly is a powerful way to shift our focus to the positive aspects of life. Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you are thankful for, whether it's the small pleasures, relationships, or personal achievements. Gratitude helps cultivate a positive mindset and increases overall happiness.
What I am thankful for today: I am thankful for the sunshine and dry weather. I’m thankful to be able to be outside, walking my dog and enjoying the simple beauty of nature.
Nurture Meaningful Relationships
Invest your time and energy in building and nurturing meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and reciprocate that love and support back to them. Strong connections with friends, family, and loved ones bring immense joy and a sense of belonging.
How I am working on my relationships: I will make sure to check-in on friends/family I haven’t spoken to for a while. I’ll take the time to appreciate the people in my life who are always there, lifting me up. There is a friend who I haven’t seen for a while, so it would be nice to go for lunch together and have a really great catch-up.
Embrace Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness allows us to be fully present in the current moment. Engage in activities with your full attention, savoring the small details. Mindfulness helps reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and deepen our appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
How I am embracing mindfulness: I am going to focus on the mundane tasks that I do without even thinking. I will take pleasure in making my bed in the morning, ensuring that it looks its very best, enjoying the ritual to start the day.
Pursue Passions and Hobbies
Discover and pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engage in hobbies or explore new passions that ignite your curiosity and creativity. Dedicate time each week to indulge in these activities, as they provide a sense of purpose and boost happiness.
The hobby I want to pursue next: I have always wanted to learn how to paint. I am going to finally take a class so I can learn the basics of watercolours and begin to improve my skill.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Engage in regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, and prioritize quality sleep. Physical well-being contributes significantly to our overall happiness and positively impacts our mood and energy levels.
How I’m taking care of my physical health: I will continue to go to the gym each morning. I will take regular walks with my dog. I will enjoy preparing healthy meals for myself.
Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Embrace self-acceptance and forgive yourself for mistakes or setbacks. Practice self-care regularly, whether it's through meditation, journaling, or engaging in activities that bring you peace and joy.
How I practice self-compassion: I recognise that as humans, we all make mistakes and have bad days. I will not beat myself up about getting things wrong, or for having an off-day. Instead I will learn from my errors and embrace the not so good days with acceptance.
Cultivate Optimism
Adopting an optimistic mindset can significantly impact our happiness. Choose to focus on the positive aspects of life, even during challenging times. Train your mind to see opportunities and possibilities rather than dwelling on negativity.
How I am cultivating optimism: I will choose to frame all situations with a positive point of view. If someone has decided to exit my life, I will recognise that this is the best decision for both of us, even if it makes me feel sad in the moment.
Engage in Acts of Kindness
Performing acts of kindness not only benefits others but also brings immense joy to ourselves. Small gestures like helping someone in need, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear can create a ripple effect of happiness and fulfillment.
The kind acts I want to do in my life: I would like to actively begin to do more volunteer work in Edinburgh. Especially around issues like homelessness - I think volunteering my time would be rewarding, and I’d really be able to make a difference.
Seek Personal Growth
Continuously seek personal growth and self-improvement. Set goals and work towards them, whether they are related to your career, relationships, or personal development. Progress and growth contribute to a sense of purpose and happiness.
How I am always growing and improving: I am able to recognise that sometimes you can’t have it all! Goals can be set and achieved, but there are also times when you will fail. I am going to focus on even the smallest growth and change in my life, because these things eventually add up to much bigger outcomes.
Disconnect to Reconnect
In our fast-paced digital world, it's important to disconnect from technology and reconnect with ourselves and nature. Spend time outdoors, engage in activities that don't involve screens, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. This unplugged time helps reduce stress, enhances well-being, and fosters happiness.
How I’m limiting my screen time: I am going to make a new rule that after 9PM my phone must go away for the day. I spend so much time on my devices, a few hours in the evening should be devoted to other things that I want to pursue.
Living a happier life is within our reach when we consciously incorporate these ten practices into our daily routines. By cultivating gratitude, nurturing relationships, practicing mindfulness, pursuing passions, and taking care of our physical and mental well-being, we can create a foundation for a more fulfilling and joyful life. Remember, happiness is a journey, and by actively embracing these principles, we can live life more happily, one day at a time.