Happiness is sometimes something that people don’t think that they can ever have. This happens because our brains work not to bring happiness but to make us protected and to survive. Our brain helps us to be safe. Of course, there will be times where we all enjoy life, but sometimes this is just a quick bliss and the rest of the time we are stuck in negativity and strong emotions.
How do you find happiness in your life? Just like working on other things, finding happiness is something you have to practice. This isn’t something that will happen right away, but when you try these things, you can live a happier life:
Focus on the Good
To be happy for your whole life, you have to change your brain thoughts from negative to positive. Take a few minutes each day to think of the good things happening in your life. If you do this for 40 days or more, three times each day, your brain will start to do this on its own.
Find something positive to say to yourself such as, “Today is going to be a great day,” or “I am thankful for everything I have in my life.” Then when things are not going great, try to see the positive in what is happening.
Celebrate Victories
You will have good days and bad days and there are times that we don’t notice the good things that we have done. Take time to celebrate yourself even if the victory is small. Did you get all of your chores done today? Victory! Find a way to celebrate the small things.
Balance Work and Fun
Work is something we have to do almost every day and it can be the thing that consumes us the most. We have to find things to do that are fun outside of work. Spend time with people that you love, go out and find a new hobby, work out, or just do something. Make sure that you are balancing life and work.
Be Mindful
Being mindful can change everything. Take time each day to practice mindfulness by meditating. You can be more aware of what your feelings are. Being mindful means that you are being present, and you are aware of what is going on around you. This can help to get rid of stress and bring you peace.
Be Creative
Being creative doesn’t mean that you have to paint a portrait. You can be creative in the activities that you do. Being creative can make you feel happy for the long term. Try singing, painting, writing or drawing. Find something creative you like to do.
Accept that You Aren’t Perfect
You will never be perfect. This is just how life is. No matter how hard you push yourself, you won’t be perfect. You have to understand that imperfection is part of life. Don’t hold yourself to a place that you can never reach. Be happy that you have imperfections that you can work through.
Find Something You Love and Do It
It is hard to have happiness if you are miserable at your job. If this is the case, find a job that you love to do. Find what you are passionate for and that you love to do and build on getting into that kind of career.
Be Careful What You Spend
Money cannot buy you happiness and you have to be careful how you spend your money. Don’t overspend or do things that will cause you to be stressed. You should spend your money on something that brings you joy such as traveling or doing fun activities.
Live in the Now
You have to stop living in the past. You need to face every moment and love yourself. Escape from your past by living where you are now and appreciating your life.
Be Thankful
The more thankful you are, the happier you will be. Be thankful for what you have. Appreciate the people and things in your life. This will bring you more peace and happiness.
Give
You can volunteer your time and give back to the community. Go and work at a food bank or at a homeless shelter. Being good to others can boost your happiness.
Find Surprises
Don’t let life be boring to you. Set goals for yourself and when you reach them, do something good for yourself. Find yourself in situations that you don’t expect but that you enjoy.
Listen to Music
When you listen to music it can boost your spirit. It helps to release good hormones that bring you happiness. Listen to music, dance, go to a concert.
Be Yourself
You need to be yourself. This can make you happier than almost anything. Once you accept who you are, you will learn to believe in yourself. Doing this can make you feel happy and comfortable.
Find Good Relationships
Meet people that will give you love and friendship. Interact and connect with new people. Don’t forget the people that have always been there for you and let them love you as well.
Stop Comparing
You need to stop comparing yourself to others. No matter what someone else is doing that you know or someone on television, you are you. Be who you are and don’t let negativity creep in just because someone is doing something different than you.
Don’t Worry
Worrying can cause stress and unhappiness. This brings negative thoughts that can ruin your life. There are things that you cannot control, and you need to not let these things take your joy.
Hang Out with Happiness
Find people that are happy and hang out with them. This feeling is contagious and can transfer from someone to you.
Be One with Nature
Go out in nature and go for a walk. Sit by a tree or plant a garden. Just being in nature can bring you peace and make you feel happy.
Think of Good Memories
Take time to think of good memories that have happened in your life. This can make you feel happy and bring back the wonder that you have felt in the past. Embrace these good memories and find happiness.
The article provides a practical guide towards achieving happiness. I appreciate the emphasis on mindfulness and recognizing small victories.
Focusing on positive thoughts for at least 40 days is an interesting concept. I wonder if there are any studies to back this up.
Hanging out with happy people can indeed positively affect one’s mood. It’s an aspect of social dynamics worth considering.
It’s true that money cannot buy happiness. Spending wisely and on meaningful experiences can contribute to well-being.
The suggestion to be creative doesn’t always resonate with me as I don’t consider myself artistic, but the article makes a valid point about finding joy in various activities.
The notion of not striving for perfection is a liberating one. It’s important to understand that it’s okay to be imperfect.
Balancing work and fun sounds easier said than done, but it’s a crucial aspect for sustained happiness. Good reminder!
Living in the now is something many struggle with. The article’s advice to appreciate the present moment is very practical.