Happiness is a feeling and just like breathing, it comes from within. It’s a natural state to be in and the more you can tap into this feeling, the better you’ll feel.
Psychologists study happiness using a variety of methods, including mood tracking apps. Researchers also test saliva and urine for biological markers of happiness such as neurotransmitters and hormones.
1. Focus on the positive
The ability to focus on the positive can help you stay happy. It’s not easy to do when your mental health is struggling, but it’s crucial for your well-being.
Identify areas of your life where you typically think negatively, like work, your commute or the change in your relationship. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and do this regularly.
Negative thinking can take a while to shift, so don’t give up if you feel resistance from your inner self.
If you do find that your negative thoughts return, try to remember something that you’re thankful for. You can do this by writing a list of things that you’re grateful for or using a memory recall exercise, such as matching word pieces with positive information.
The ability to focus on the positive can be a game-changer for your mental health. It can help you manage stress, improve your mood and even reduce your risk of chronic illnesses that are exacerbated by high levels of stress.
2. Do something you love
Doing something you love is an essential part of living a happy life. It doesn’t have to be anything grand – you can start with something as simple as making time to read a book.
The best way to make happiness a daily practice is by being kind, compassionate and giving. This can be as small as a compliment to a stranger or as big as going out of your way for a friend.
In this age of busyness, many people are not prioritizing things that bring them joy or a sense of purpose. When we prioritize our lives, we take the time to plan and organize our days in a way that makes us feel happy.
The happiest people are those who build their life around activities and interests that center around their strengths, like kindness, curiosity, honesty, creativity, loyalty, optimism and humor. In this way, they’re able to use their unique gifts for the benefit of others.
3. Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to keep your happiness tank full. If you have a lot of stress in your life and feel tired all the time, taking some time for yourself is going to help you function better throughout your day.
Whether it’s eating healthy, getting enough sleep or setting boundaries, you have to put yourself first. You can’t be a good partner, friend, or caregiver to others if you don’t take care of yourself.
You may be tempted to put your self-care needs on the back burner to make room for other things in your schedule, but doing this can leave you feeling exhausted and depressed. This is why it’s important to prioritize your wellbeing and set aside some time for yourself each week.
4. Make a difference
If you want to feel happy, it is important to make a difference in the world. This can be in a large or small way.
Many people do not realize that their actions can have a big impact on others. Even something as simple as picking up trash can have a positive impact on the community.
Volunteering is also a great way to make a difference in the world. Not only does it give you the opportunity to make a real difference, but it also has been shown to improve your happiness.
If you are unsure of what you can do to make a difference in the world, think about what causes mean the most to you. Then, look for ways you can volunteer your time and donate money to these organizations.