To most people, happiness is a fleeting sensation. You may have a great day at work or feel a bit of joy after a successful shopping trip.
However, it is possible to cultivate a deep and fulfilling happiness that is based on meaning and purpose. This kind of happiness is eudaimonic.
1. Cultivate Solid Social Connections
One of the most important ways to increase your happiness is by cultivating solid social connections. These relationships give you a sense of belonging, which can help you thrive during times of stress or struggle.
In addition, they can also boost your immune system. In fact, social support has been linked to lower blood pressure and better immune function.
Creating new and stronger social connections can take time, but it will be worth it in the long run. Whether it’s by joining a sports team or starting a book club, making time for new people is an excellent way to increase your happiness.
2. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and going to the doctor for screening tests.
Aside from boosting energy and lowering your risk for serious illnesses, maintaining good physical health can also improve your overall quality of life. Keeping your body in tip-top shape can help you manage stress and improve your sleep.
Taking care of your physical health has also been linked to a number of other perks including lower rates of frailty and a reduced risk of a stroke. However, it’s important to remember that physical health is just one of the many facets of total wellness and that a holistic approach to well-being is necessary to optimize your mental health.
3. Cultivate Self-Care
One of the best ways to build up your happiness tank is to cultivate self-care. This can involve a variety of practices that promote your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Meditation, soaking in a hot bath, getting a massage or facial, yoga, or reading a good book are all examples of self-care activities that can help you de-stress and boost your mood.
When you practice self-care regularly, you will feel happier and more in control of your life. This will also increase your resilience and give you more energy for when challenges come your way.
4. Be Mindful of Your Emotions
Emotions are a natural part of life and should be embraced instead of pushed away. Mindfulness is the practice of noticing your emotions and thoughts without judgment.
Meditation is a great way to cultivate mindfulness. It helps you to focus your attention on the present moment and notice when your mind wanders into planning, daydreaming or critical thinking.
Mindfulness is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. It can help you to become more mindful in your daily activities, which can increase happiness.
5. Find Meaning in Your Life
In a world that often feels hopeless and meaningless, finding meaning in your life can be a big help. This is especially true if you’re surrounded by others who are doing all they can to find happiness.
Moreover, research shows that feeling meaningful can improve your overall well-being and even help protect you from health problems in the future. For example, a study found that people who felt as if they had a sense of purpose were 30% less likely to die during an eight-and-a-half-year follow-up period than those who didn’t feel as if they had a sense of meaning.
To find meaning, start by learning about your core values and beliefs. These values can help you determine what you want out of your life and give you a compass to guide your decisions. They can be something as simple as gratitude, compassion, kindness, social intelligence, leadership, courage, creativity, humour or curiosity.