There’s a lot of talk about happiness these days, and there’s a good reason for that: Science is starting to find links between higher levels of happiness and healthier heart, immune, and psychological health.
Measuring happiness is tricky, though. The best way to determine your own baseline level is by keeping track of how you feel on a daily basis.
Taking care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is essential to having happiness, as it can reduce stress and boost your energy levels. It can also help you reconnect with your true nature and set a good example for others.
Physical self-care is important, as it involves eating a healthy diet that fuels your body and making sure you get enough sleep. It can also include taking your medications as prescribed and avoiding sugar and alcohol.
Mental self-care can include things like meditation, mindfulness, prayer, yoga or T’ai Chi. It can also involve performing random acts of kindness or reading an uplifting book.
Social self-care is also crucial, as it can help you connect with friends and family members and stay positive. It can include keeping in touch with old friends, volunteering or going out with friends.
Spiritual self-care can include spending time in nature, engaging in meditation, mindfulness or prayer. It can also include doing right by others, looking to your higher power for support and helping those in need.
Doing things that make you happy
Whether it’s going for a run or taking a vacation, doing things that make you happy can help you feel good and stay healthy. Exercise is known for releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, so you can reap the benefits of increased happiness by doing your best to get moving every day.
If you’re suffering from foot pain, consider investing in custom orthotics to support your feet and help them work better during physical activities. This can improve your performance and boost your mood.
It’s all about finding the right balance between doing what makes you happy and living a sustainable, responsible life.
Everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, but we can all strive to be more happy in our lives. A few tweaks to our daily habits, and a little patience, can go a long way toward making that happen.
Reaching out to others
One of the best ways to improve your wellbeing is to connect with others. This can take many forms, from reaching out to friends to chatting to support lines and medical professionals.
If you’re feeling lonely or disconnected, it might be time to reach out to someone in your life who genuinely cares about you. It may seem like a small gesture, but it could make a huge difference to the person you reach out to.
In fact, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people often underestimate how much other people appreciate an “out of the blue” or “just because” reach-out. In one experiment, half of the participants were asked to remember a time when they reached out to someone, and the other half was asked to recall a similar situation where they were contacted.
Having a positive attitude
The way you choose to look at the world can be a big part of your happiness. When you have a positive attitude, you’ll find that things go more smoothly and you’ll enjoy more success in your life.
You’ll see the good in your life and you’ll be more willing to accept new challenges, even when they are difficult. Being positive can lead to more creativity and productivity.
In addition, positivity can help you make better decisions and resolve problems more effectively. It also helps you feel more in control of your life and gives you a greater sense of self-confidence.
You can practice having a positive attitude by practicing gratitude and seeing the good in every situation. You can also set boundaries and determine your non-negotiables.