Keeping a full tank of happiness means more than just feeling good. It also requires a mindset of self-regulation, prudence, forgiveness and humility.
It’s true that not everyone will be happy all the time, but happiness is something all people can consciously pursue. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to a happier life: 1. Stay active.
1. Fill Up Your Mind
Happiness is a state of positive mood that may have a number of health perks. It has been linked to feelings of well-being, fulfillment, and positive social connections. It also appears to have a number of psychological benefits such as greater self-esteem, lowered stress, and a stronger immune system.
It can be elusive, and a whole field of psychology—positive psychology—is devoted to trying to pin it down. Happiness can be influenced by many factors in your life, some of which are out of your control, but it’s possible to learn to make happiness a daily habit.
It starts with managing your mindset, calming your mind, building your strengths, and cultivating good relationships. Those habits can lead to a happy, peaceful life. They can help you stay calm during stressful times and give you the energy to get things done. So fill up your tank with peace by meditating, exercising, and spending time with God! He knows you better than anyone and loves you.
2. Fill Up Your Heart
A lack of heart is often associated with low moods, and a low mood in turn has many negative life outcomes, including suicide, poor health, substance abuse, and even lower life expectancy. Happiness is a powerful force in the world, and it’s important to surround yourself with those things that fill your heart and bring you joy.
A few simple habits can help you cultivate happiness. For example, Potiker suggests taking the time to savor your morning cup of coffee and enjoying the sound of your child’s giggling. This type of hedonic happiness isn’t just enjoyable, it can also strengthen your resilience against stressors.
Alternatively, you could make the effort to connect with a friend or family member, engage in a fun hobby, or even learn something new. Cultivating solid relationships is a great way to keep your spirits up, and studies have shown that helping others boosts our own mood. You may even notice a virtuous circle — your happy mood affects those around you, who then spread their own joy and so on.
3. Fill Up Your Body
When you experience happiness, your brain sends messages to your central nervous system to trigger chemicals that affect involuntary bodily functions like blood flow and pupil dilation. This is why your face flushes and your heart rate increases when you feel happy.
Music is another way to fill up your happy tank as it activates your brain’s reward system and releases hormones that boost mood. Listening to upbeat music and even dancing can be a great source of happiness.
Lastly, being around nature can help fill up your happiness tank as it increases vitamin D levels and can spark feelings of curiosity and wonder. Make sure to take time out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Finally, making a habit out of helping others can increase your levels of oxytocin and dopamine which are both happy hormones. Whether it’s volunteering, visiting the sick or elderly in hospital or even just helping a neighbour with a tricky driveway, helping others can help keep your happiness tank full.
4. Fill Up Your Soul
Bad news, negative people, and ordinary day-to-day problems can drain you. Fortunately, you can make the choices to enrich your life with beautiful and inspiring things to counteract the natural tendency towards gloominess.
It’s important to notice when your soul feels empty and learn to nourish it daily with positive experiences. Nature is especially soul nourishing, from the beauty of a sunset to the feel of sand under your feet or the sound of birds singing.
Spending time with friends who inspire you to be your best, support you through challenging times and encourage your growth will lift your soul. In addition, sharing affection with loved ones boosts oxytocin which strengthens trust and promotes monogamy.