A full tank means more enjoyment in life and better performance. Happiness is a goal that everyone can strive for, and research shows it brings health perks, more career success, deeper relationships and much more.
Yet it’s a difficult state to pin down. Philosophers, theologians, and psychologists have all sought to define it.
1. Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is an important part of happiness. This includes things like eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. It also involves avoiding people and activities that make you unhappy or stressed.
Practicing self-care can include activities such as journaling, meditation, and quieting the negative inner monologue. It can also involve enjoying life’s pleasures, such as indulging in a favorite food or spending time with family and friends.
While some may misconstrue self-care as selfish, it is important to remember that happiness requires a balanced approach to all dimensions of wellness, including mental health. By putting your own needs first, you are better prepared to help others when they need it. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saying no to requests from others may feel uncomfortable at times, but it is the best way to ensure that you are able to focus on your own happiness. It is also the best way to protect yourself from burnout.
3. Take care of others
Caring about others is an important part of a happy life. It makes you feel good and it also helps to build a strong sense of community.
However, it can be dangerous to over-give of yourself without taking care of your own well-being. Like a vehicle that runs out of fuel, your happiness tank can start to deplete. This can lead to a negative impact on those around you.
When you are feeling low on your happiness fuel, it is important to slow down and take a breather. Practicing mindfulness meditation can help to refuel your happiness tank.
Another way to be caring is to check in with people often. Asking them how they are doing, what they have planned for the weekend or even just sending a text message of encouragement can go a long way in showing that you care. It’s the little things that count! Just like a choppy drive, a calm breathe can be the difference between an empty and a full happiness tank.
4. Take care of your environment
Just like a car, if you let your happiness fuel tank run empty it can start to hiccup, sputter and drive you crazy. Meditation helps you learn to go through each day with a full tank. By incorporating it into your life you will find yourself less stressed and more in control of the situation no matter who or what is around you. Taking just 5 minutes to breathe deeply can help calm your body and mind no matter what the stressor is. This will give you the energy you need to make it through the day. You will always have a way to fill up your tank through meditation.