Happiness is like a gas tank: it keeps you going. It’s something you can’t always control – but you can work to fill it up with the things that make you feel good.
These include a standard of living that enables you to be healthy and safe; strong, validating relationships; and a sense of purpose, meaning or achievement.
1. Make time for yourself
When life gets busy, it can feel like a waste of time to make time for yourself. However, doing so can help you feel happier.
This may mean going for a walk, exercising or even just taking some quiet time to declutter your room. The key is finding something that makes you genuinely happy. Then, work to incorporate that into your routine.
2. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can feel like a big ask, especially for people who aren’t used to feeling happy. But it is possible to practice gratitude and feel better over time.
One tip is to be specific about what you are grateful for. A more focused list with fewer items will have greater impact than a superficial listing of many things. Getting personal also helps.
3. Be kind to yourself
Do you feel emotionally balanced and able to respond in healthy ways to your circumstances? Or are you often tense and anxious, making large emotional reactions to situations that don’t warrant them?
Practicing self-kindness can help you feel happier. This includes being understanding and nonjudgmental of your past actions, but it also means doing loving things for yourself going forward. Being kind to yourself can also include becoming bigger than your own concerns and serving others.
4. Take care of your body
When you feel good physically, it can help you feel happier. Practice healthy habits like eating well and exercising regularly.
If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for others. Just remember the airplane advice: Put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else. That’s a great reminder to take care of your body! You deserve it.
5. Be grateful for what you have
While it may seem like a cliche, gratitude is a proven way to help you feel happier. Being grateful can help you overcome negative emotions such as envy and materialism.
Practicing gratitude can also help you appreciate the things that you have in your life, such as a safe and comfortable home, nutritious food, and a good job. It can also help you develop a sense of compassion towards others.
6. Be grateful for the people in your life
Grateful people are more satisfied with their lives, according to research. They also tend to have more social support and self-esteem.
Practicing gratitude activates circuits for trust and affection in the brain, as well as for pleasure and reward. Gratitude can help us appreciate the people in our lives, even those who are difficult.
From a loved one to the stranger who holds a door for you, there are many reasons to be grateful for the people in your life.
7. Be grateful for the opportunities you have
Gratitude helps you feel more happy by seeing the good in your life. When you appreciate what you have, you can stop fighting reality and uncover new opportunities.
Gratitude is an essential tool for leaders of all kinds. It can help you lead your team well and keep your own happiness tank full. It is also a great way to build trust and rapport with your team members.
8. Be grateful for your job
Showing gratitude for employees is one of the best things you can do to increase engagement and productivity. Gratitude at work makes employees happy and healthy, which in turn helps drive accelerated career development.
If worse comes to worst, your job allows you to live your life and pay for your basic needs. That is something to be thankful for! Especially during this pandemic.
9. Be grateful for your family
It can be easy to take your family for granted, but showing your loved ones how much you appreciate them can help you feel happier. Practicing gratitude has been linked to increased happiness and reduced symptoms of depression.
Try setting aside a few minutes at the end of each day to focus on what went right during the day. It will help you and your family feel better prepared for the day ahead.
10. Be grateful for your friends
Your friends are the people who lift you up when you’re down, support your dreams, and have your back. Being grateful for your friends helps you feel happier by strengthening the bond between you and enhancing well-being.
Showing appreciation for your friends can be as easy as sending a heartfelt text or letter. You can also show your gratitude by doing something special for them.