What many don’t realize is that happiness is a choice rather than a state of mind. Which is why many people say, ‘Don’t pursue happiness, seek joy. Happiness is fickle and fading, joy remains forever’. Yet that does not mean people cannot be feeling long-term happiness. Your feelings are a choice that you make.
Here are some tips to achieve happiness:
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is said to be the key to happiness. Research has even stated that those who practice mindfulness on a regular basis are said to experience more peace and happiness in their lives.
First, mindfulness makes us fully present in each moment rather than daydream about negative thoughts. Second, you will be able to focus more on positive thoughts. If practiced regularly, surely the most negative minds will become more positive.
Take Care of Your Body
To have a healthy mind, you need to have a healthy body first and foremost. For that reason, you should take care of your body by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.
For those who just started, you can practice healthy habits in small increments to make the goals much more attainable. Adding greens and salads to your daily meals, going on light jogging sessions after dinner are just some of the things you can do to take care of your body. If you found that these activities are not helpful, then you might need to experiment to find what works for you.
Be Grateful
When you are having a tough day at work or home, you tend to focus on the negatives. Research has even stated that those who focus more on negativity in their lives are more susceptible to depression. Therefore, building positive emotions, focusing on character strengths, meaning, gratitude, forgiveness are effective on treating depression.
You can do all of this by simply opening your journal or typing in your computer at the end of the day. In it, you will have to write three things that went well on the day. You will also have to write why you see these things as positive and make a note after each positive event as to why this may have happened. With such a method, one is challenged to think about the positives and their impact rather than just making a list.
Find Activities That Makes you Feel Good
Other than practicing mindfulness, you can also try other activities that make you much happier than before. Practice any one that you can commit to trying for a month. Then evaluate if you feel better as a result. If the activity does not have the intended effect on your state of mind, then you can just try out another practice until you find one that is right for you.
Some of the things you can try include practice breathing the morning, starting a book group or peer group to talk about life. Alternatively, you can also try soothing rituals like taking a hot bath, having hot tea while you put the kids to bed, or stretching as you listen to music. Cooking, writing in your journal or reading books about psychology, trauma recovery, emotions, relationships, and communication that you can implement are also valid choices.
Practice Self-Compassion
On the journey to happiness, you are bound to find conditions where you feel negative. Whether it’s on your part or others, your positive mood can turn negative with just a single event. At this time, it’s important to practice self-compassion rather than give yourself constant criticism. Doing this would be unhealthy and unproductive. Instead, treat yourself like you would a friend and you will forgive yourself and others much easier without the emotional burden on your shoulders.
What tip seems the most effective to you? Do you have any other tips for happiness? Share your answers in the comments section below!
