Happiness. Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of happiness but what really is happiness? Happiness means different things to different people. There’s a saying that us humans are a sum of our habits. So it makes sense that if we have positive habits, we have a better chance of living more positive life, which may ultimately result in the happiness we all seek.
Here are a few habits that may help some people achieve more positive results.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness.
Even a small amount of physical activity can make a difference. You don’t have to spend 2 hours in the gym everyday— unless that’s what makes you happy, of course.
You don’t need to do too much and you also shouldn’t expect miraculous results (lose 6 inches in 6 weeks)
Consider these exercise starters:
- Sign up for a beginner’s aerobics class.
- Start your day with 5 minutes of stretching.
- Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed, but that have fallen by the wayside. Or activities you always wanted to try, such as volleyball, handball, or dancing.
Get plenty of sleep
Quotes such as “I’ll sleep when i’m dead”, “Grind while they sleep” try to make sleep sound unnecessary but this is not at all true. Adequate sleep is vital to good health, brain function, and emotional well-being.
Most adults need about 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day or just generally feel like you’re in a fog, your body may be telling you it needs more rest.
Here are a few tips to help you build a better sleep routine:
- Write down how many hours of sleep you get each night and how rested you feel. After a week, you should have a better idea how you’re doing.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
- Reserve the hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking.
- Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
- Invest in some good bedding.
- If you have to take a nap, try to limit it to 20 minutes.
- If you consistently have problems sleeping, talk to your doctor. You may have a sleep disorder requiring treatment.
Eat with mood in mind
Your food choices don’t just have an impact on your overall physical health. Some foods can also affect your state of mind.
For example:
- Carbohydrates release serotonin, a “feel good” hormone. Just keep simple carbs — foods high in sugar and starch — to a minimum, because that energy surge is short and you’ll crash. Complex carbs, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, are better.
- Lean meat, poultry, legumes, and dairy are high in protein. These foods release dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost energy and concentration.
- Highly processed or deep-fried foods tend to leave you feeling down. So will skipping meals.
Start by making one better food choice each day.
For example, swap a sugary breakfast cereal for some plain oats with fruit. You’ll still satisfy your sweet tooth, and the fibre will help you avoid a mid-morning energy crash. Try adding in a new food swap each week.
Keep a journal
A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your feelings, and make plans. And you don’t have to be a professional writer to benefit.
It can be as simple as jotting down a few thoughts before you go to bed. If you’re nervous about putting certain things in writing because you don’t want them seen by other people, you can always shred it when you’ve finished. It’s the process that counts.
See friends
Humans are social beings, and having close friends can make us happier.
Who do you miss? Reach out to them. Make a date to get together or simply have a long phone chat.
As adults, making new friends can seem daunting. But it’s not about how many friends you have. It’s about having meaningful relationships — even if it’s just with one or two people.
Consider therapy
Many people associate therapy with negative ideas, however the fact is that therapy can help everyone.
If you feel like you’re hitting a brick wall, consider speaking with a therapist on a weekly basis. You don’t need to have a diagnosed mental health condition or overwhelming crisis to seek therapy.
We’re certainly happier when we learn how to cope with obstacles. When you’re faced with a problem, think about what got you through something similar in the past. Would it work here? What else can you try?
Therapists are trained to help people improve coping skills. Plus, there’s no obligation to continue once you start.
Even just a few sessions can help you sort through your emotions and develop coping skills to help in your day to day life.
woman seeking therapy
Find a self-care ritual
It’s easy to neglect self-care when overwhelmed with other things like your job or taking care of family. However, you need to take care of your body for it to continue to support you. Your body carries your thoughts, passions, and spirit through this world, doesn’t it deserve a little TLC?
Maybe it’s lighting nice smelling candle when you walk into your house, unwinding your workweek with a long, hot bath. Or adopting a skin care routine that makes you feel indulgent. Or simply setting aside a night to put on your softest pyjamas and watch a movie from start to finish while feeding yourself ice cream.
Whatever it is, make time for it. Put it in your planner if you must, but do it.
Take care of your body
Your physical and mental health are closely intertwined.
As you build habits to improve your happiness, make sure to follow up with routine appointments to take care your body:
- see your primary care physician for an annual physical
- take care of any chronic health conditions and see specialists as recommended
- see your dentist for an oral exam and follow up as recommended
- get your vision checked
