We all want to be happy, and yet sometimes this can feel like an elusive goal. While the concept of being perfectly happy all of the time might be impossible to achieve, there are plenty of small steps we can take to increase our overall levels of happiness and wellbeing. Want to give it a try? Here are some top tips.
Get out in nature
Spending time in the great outdoors can do wonders for both our mental and physical wellbeing. Firstly, exposure to sunlight helps our body to make vitamin D, which is crucial for our health in all sorts of ways. Likewise, being surrounded by greenery has been shown to improve both our mood and our creativity. Try taking a 15-minute walk every day (or longer walks on your days off depending on your schedule), and you’ll soon feel the benefits.
Give your productivity a boost
Professional success certainly contributes to our happiness, as does the feeling of accomplishment when we tick things off our to-do list. Challenge yourself to maximize your productivity and get all of your tasks done well in advance of their due date to avoid the stress of rushing to meet deadlines. This way you can truly enjoy your time off.
Be rewarded for good behavior
Who doesn’t like being rewarded for demonstrating that they are good at what you do? Being rewarded will give you an immediate boost in happiness, so aim to do the best job you can in everything you do. You never know when you could be rewarded. Even unexpected areas of your life can provide this. Reaching out to the right car insurance companies, for example, is one that not many people know can be extremely rewarding. You can enjoy cheap car insurance in Austin TX, if you can show that you are a safe driver. You simply have to show them how you go about driving every day, and you could be rewarded for it!
Show gratitude
The simple act of exercising gratitude can make a real difference to your levels of happiness. Try keeping a journal in which you write down three aspects of your life that you’re grateful for every day. This is an effective way to train your mind to look for the positives in the world, and appreciate even the tiniest moments of contentment. For an extra benefit, show gratitude openly whenever someone is kind to you It’ll make their day as well as yours.
Be kind
Speaking of kindness, this is one of the best ways to make yourself feel happier. Even small gestures such as holding the door open for someone, paying people genuine compliments, or letting a family go ahead of you in the queue at the supermarket can bring happiness to both you and them. For a bigger impact, try volunteering with a local charity or nonprofit organization.
Take care of your physical health
Your physical health is directly related to your mental health, so it’s crucial to look after your body. You should eat well, drink plenty of water, take regular exercise, and aim for 6-8 hours of sleep every night. If you struggle with that last one, try investing in a top-quality sleep mask and blackout curtains.
Exercise self care
Looking after your mental health should always be a priority, and will have a huge impact on your happiness. Set aside regular time for some self care, whether that’s meditation, a relaxing spa day, an afternoon engaging in a hobby you love, or going out for a meal with your best friends. Always aim to treat yourself with compassion and avoid being too self critical as this doesn’t help anyone. Pretend that you’re talking to a close friend instead of yourself, and change your tone accordingly!
