We know that any skill takes practice. The ability to be happy is no exception. But how exactly should it be trained and what will help with this?
We all want to be happier, even those who are generally happy already. This goal is worthwhile, and it can be achieved by taking small steps, giving life more and more new shades and forms.
Why is it so important? It has been scientifically proven that how happy we are in a relationship directly affects our health. Robert Waldinger, lead researcher on the topic and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, notes that “taking care of the body is certainly essential, but taking care of relationships is an important part of taking care of yourself.”
Why, having an excellent job, a loving partner and true friends, many people are still dissatisfied with life? Why are we increasingly trying to remember what it’s like to really enjoy something? Why do we feel lost? And most importantly, how to fix it?
If the first group of questions involves individual answers, then with the question “what to do?” we’ll try to figure it out. It is necessary to understand the main thing: a long-term feeling of contentment with life arises when we learn to rejoice here and now, in the moment, and for this we can take a number of small steps. And not tomorrow, but today, now.
1. Realize that money really helps solve problems, but does not bring happiness.
Do you want to change your car or get additional education to climb the career ladder? Yes, money does not interfere here. However, as soon as you manage to cover the basic needs, happiness will have to be sought elsewhere. More money does not equal more happiness.
2. Get at least seven hours of sleep
A good night’s sleep is very important for health, just like proper nutrition and exercise. Research shows that when we get at least seven hours of sleep every night, our performance scores improve. Try to build your schedule so that you get enough sleep, and your brain and body will thank you.
3. Give others at least one sincere compliment a day.
Focus on the virtues of others, and the return will not be long in coming.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Let go of worries and regrets. Life is what happens here and now. Appreciate the moment and don’t waste time worrying about the future.
If you have to be perfect to be happy, you’ll never find it.
5. Eat a healthy breakfast every day
Start the day right, by taking care of your body – so there are more chances that you will also have something useful for lunch.
6. Make time for your favorite hobby
Work, as a rule, takes the bulk of time and effort, and a hobby … Is it something optional, optional? Try to make time for what you simply enjoy, even if it does not bring any “benefit”.
7. Be grateful
Focus on the good things that happen to you. If you can’t remember occasions spontaneously, try keeping a list.
8. Go to a museum – at least virtually
Today you can travel without getting off the couch, including the world of art. Do not stay away from what is happening in the field of culture: visit exhibitions, film screenings, concerts. As Oscar Wilde said, “heal the soul with sensations.”
9. Find the sweet spot
Happiness does not like extremes. As the Buddha said, there is a middle path between self-indulgence and self-denial. The path that makes us free from regret and suffering. This is the path to peace and liberation already in this life.
10. Focus on regular small changes, not perfection.
If you think that for happiness you need to become perfect, then, alas, you will never find it. The secret to achieving this state is in constant small improvements.
11. Try something new
Prepare a dish according to a new recipe, read a book of a genre unusual for you. Take advantage of all the opportunities that life gives.
12. Take a 10-minute break every hour or two
So you will not only be able to do the most in a day – you will also have more energy and strength to enjoy life.
13. Do what you have planned for yourself.
Procrastination is the thief of happiness: stress due to missed or upcoming deadlines, unnecessary excitement … Just think how much calmer you will feel if you start to do everything on time.
14. Spend time with someone you love.
Few things can make us happier. And here any means are good, be it Zoom, Skype or FaceTime count!
15. Say yes
Sometimes we are too quick to turn down new opportunities. But you never know what joy awaits us around the corner. Learn to say yes.
16. Say “no”
Do not immediately agree to take on unnecessary responsibilities and obligations. If you already have a lot of work to do, extra work will only lead to unnecessary stress.
Take every opportunity to be happy today, now
17. Smile
Even if you don’t want to. Firstly, this way you will feel happier, and secondly, you can form a good habit.
18. Take breaks
By making the wrong choice, we often create problems for ourselves. Before you say something in the heat of the moment or make a big rash purchase, take a deep breath and think about what you can do to feel happier in the long run.
19. Do something you’ve always wanted to do
Adopt a dog from a shelter or take a guitar class. Start learning Italian. Right now.
20. Get to know someone
Our environment directly affects how happy we feel. Perhaps the one you met today will be your best friend tomorrow.
Don’t put off enjoyment until you have more time or less stress in your life. Take every opportunity to be happy today, now. You deserve it.