A full tank is important because it helps you keep moving. It also allows you to avoid breakdowns down the road.
Policymakers have a strong interest in happiness, but there is some debate about how to define and measure it. Some worry that efforts to promote happiness could be paternalistic, by imposing preferences on individuals.
1. Save Money
Some of the happiest people seem to instinctively make decisions that keep their financial house in order. They drive older cars, they buy generic groceries, and they work a job that pays a good wage to help them achieve their financial goals. This kind of behavior can actually contribute to happiness.
It’s a little tricky to balance enjoying the stuff you love with staying on top of your finances. It’s important to remember that happiness doesn’t come from buying things, but rather experiences and relationships. Trying to make some of your own experiences instead of spending money can also be helpful.
For example, if you like going out for drinks, try making your own cocktails at home and saving half the cost. You can also start a new weekly habit of cleaning a small section of one room or even just tidying up that out-of-control junk drawer. It may feel like a small effort, but studies show that these small tasks can really boost your mood.
2. Stay Safe
The happiest people seem to instinctively make the world around them a safer place. Whether it’s in the workplace, the community or their personal lives, they are always looking to be as safe as possible. This may include avoiding negative people, meditating or simply counting to 10 before responding to a coworker’s questionable comment. They also prioritize spending time with people who recharge their energy accounts, rather than drain them. This could mean staying updated on current events through news media or regularly checking in with good friends. In addition, they focus on doing things that they love – hobbies, work and extracurricular activities.
3. Avoid Breakdowns
Having a nervous breakdown can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you can avoid having breakdowns at all, you will be happier for it.
Breakdowns can be triggered by stress, anxiety, fatigue, illness, alcohol use, drug use, and other factors. They can range in severity from feeling depressed to having hallucinations, losing control of one’s emotions, and feelings of numbness or paranoia.
To prevent having a nervous breakdown, learn about the signs of an impending breakdown and know your triggers. You can also practice mindfulness, relaxation techniques and cultivation practices such as meditation and yoga to reduce your stress levels. You can also try to replace the old connection between joy and fear by scheduling moments of pleasure like a warm bath or going for a walk with friends. Over time, this will train your mind that happiness isn’t tied to something else. If you do end up having a breakdown, consider it as a learning experience.