The happiness of a person is like the capacity of his fuel tank. Running on a low tank risks evaporation, contamination and even engine damage.
For decades – since psychology became a science – the field primarily focused on pathology and on what goes wrong in people’s lives. Happiness has recently received more attention, however.
1. Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself includes everything from diet and exercise to self-reflection. Adding these things to your daily routine will help you feel happier and healthier.
Often times people may feel guilty about taking time for themselves because they think it’s selfish. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like the advice you receive on airplanes to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you can’t be your best for anyone else if you are not taking care of yourself.
Try to do something everyday that makes you smile and puts a smile on someone else’s face as well. Studies show that happiness can be contagious up to three degrees of separation. This could be as simple as saying hello to your neighbors or volunteering at your local drop-in center.
2. Taking Care of Your Relationships
Humans are largely considered social creatures, so it should come as no surprise that we need other people to feel happy. That’s why it is important to spend time with friends and loved ones.
One of the most effective ways to improve your happiness is by minimizing your stress. This can be done in a number of ways, including eating healthier (though special treats are okay in moderation) and cutting back on the amount of activities you’re involved with.
It’s also a good idea to focus on giving back. For example, you can try implementing a monthly habit of volunteering at your local food bank or bringing dinner to a friend who needs it. Lastly, avoiding toxic relationships is vital to your well-being. So make it a point to spend time away from them.
3. Taking Care of Your Health
When you are in better physical health, it can help you feel happier. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a variety of foods, staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking.
It’s also important to take care of your mental and emotional health. Make sure to stretch your mind each day and learn something new. It could be as simple as reading a book or learning the alphabet backwards. Or maybe it’s picking up a hobby, such as gardening or playing the guitar.
Often times, we find ourselves pushing ourselves too hard and running our emotional tanks empty. When this happens, it is important to practice self-care and build up our reserves again. This will help us be resilient and able to cope with the stressful events life throws our way.
5. Taking Care of Your Environment
Between sunny social media posts and feelgood fads, it can sometimes seem like happiness is a goal that you either attain or don’t. But human beings experience emotions — from joy and bliss to anger, fear and depression — and embracing those emotions can help you feel happier overall.
One of the best ways to do this is by reducing stress. Clean up your space and declutter, minimize your social calendar and steer clear of people or situations that cause you stress.
Another way to feel happier is by getting outdoors more often. Whether it’s going for a run on a sunny day instead of a treadmill, or simply eating a meal outside when you can, doing so is a surefire way to feel happier.