Like a car, we all have a happiness tank. It’s not always full but when it is, we can go a long way!
Happiness is hard to measure. A smile or laugh are obvious, but researchers look for more enduring indicators such as hormones and neurotransmitters.
One method is to use a mood tracker app and journal your happiness levels. Another is to identify your baseline happiness.
1. Take Care of Yourself
People who take care of themselves tend to be happier and healthier. They have a stronger immune system and are able to help others with their problems.
They are able to set priorities and manage their time better. They have healthy relationships, they practice mindfulness, they eat well, and exercise regularly. They surround themselves with “unlike minds” and are able to look at life through a different lens.
We’ve all heard the advice to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting someone else – without taking care of yourself, you can’t help anyone. Take the time to think about what activities make you feel happy and work them into your daily routine. Think joy, spirit, and relaxation – but also try to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
2. Look for the Good
Research shows that happiness is not something you can find in the latest gadgets or material possessions. Many people try to find happiness in things like nice cars, on-trend technology, bigger houses or a new wardrobe but these are only temporary boosts and create a cycle of needing to buy more things to feel good.
If you aren’t happy, start by reconnecting with the things that bring joy to your life. If you used to enjoy lunch dates with friends, for example, see if there are other ways to connect socially.
You also want to keep a close eye on who you spend your time with. If you notice that certain individuals make you feel bad, then limit your time with them. This will help you to feel happier and more positive on a regular basis.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Family
Family members have a profound impact on our lives. They can either fill us up or drain our energy. Unfortunately, some people grow up in families where the emotional support is lacking. This can leave them feeling stifled, bored, resentful, or disappointed when spending time with their relatives. It may be difficult to change the way you feel about your family of origin, but you can start by changing your own behavior. It’s okay to minimize contact with toxic people and completely cut those that have a negative impact out of your life. You can also create your own chosen family and spend more time with those that fill you up emotionally. This will help you to maintain a happy tank. Psych2Go explains.
Conversations at family events tend to focus on surface topics. Difficult or painful topics are often taboo.
4. Focus on the Positive
A pessimistic outlook is not only detrimental to your mental health but can actually lead to physical illness. Try to find the proverbial silver lining in every situation you face. For example, if someone cancels on you, instead of thinking it’s horrible, consider it an opportunity to get some extra rest or pursue one of your hobbies.
It may take some time to change your mindset, especially if you are a natural pessimist. It’s important to check yourself periodically throughout the day and identify which thoughts are negative versus positive. Eventually, you will learn to switch out negative thoughts for a more positive alternative.
Happiness is a big topic with many aspects involved. It is a complex emotional state, and there’s no way to guarantee happiness at all times.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Health
When you neglect your own health, it can impact your happiness. Being too busy to eat right, get enough sleep or exercise can make you feel tired and sluggish, which can lead to low mood and bad habits. Neglecting your own health can also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other health issues.
Putting your own health and well-being on the back burner can cause you to burn out. This can leave you feeling emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted and it may take longer to recover from. It can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can negatively affect your relationships. It’s important to keep your tank full so you can continue to serve others and enjoy life. It’s better to have a happy, healthy you than an empty one.