Keeping your happiness tank full is essential to enjoying life. But the factors that support happiness are complex.
Happiness can be defined as a durable positive state that persists after the ups and downs of your day. It includes feelings of inner harmony and meaning. It also involves emotions like satisfaction, serenity and elation.
1. Invest in yourself
If you aren’t investing in yourself, you are not taking charge of your life. This is one of the easiest and cheapest investments you can make, and it will pay higher returns than anything else you might do.
Investing in yourself can include things like starting a new exercise routine, improving your nutrition, reading books that improve your professional skills, or working with a coach or mentor to help you get to the next level in your career. It can also mean following your passions and exploring new hobbies such as painting, cooking or music.
Just be sure to do your research before you decide to invest in yourself. For example, going back to school may not be worth the expense if you have little chance of finding work in your field after graduating. And putting money into a new business venture may be risky if the company fails to make profit. Regardless of your investment, be sure to keep track of it and measure the progress you are making.
2. Invest in your relationships
It’s no secret that your relationships play a big role in your happiness. They can buffer so much of life’s negativity and add a great deal to your overall life satisfaction.
The problem is that most people tend to prioritize their careers over their personal connections, which can have a negative effect on their well-being. This is especially true when it comes to your relationship with work. Investing in the right relationships can increase your happiness and make you more successful.
Investing in your relationships requires time and energy, but it’s worth it. The benefits of a healthy, happy connection with others are innumerable and far outweigh the cost.
If you are in a relationship that doesn’t feel quite right, contact an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist for help. We are experts in rekindling healthy, loving connections and helping couples to find joy in their relationship. Request an appointment online. You can do it! Investing in your relationships will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
3. Invest in your health
In a world where financial planning takes center stage, it is easy to forget about the importance of prioritizing your health and your happiness. Happiness is a key ingredient to your overall well-being and is directly linked to your life satisfaction, mental and physical health, work performance, social relationships and even your longevity.
Investing in your happiness requires intentionality and commitment. It can be difficult to find the headspace and time required to set and pursue happiness goals, especially when life feels busy and overwhelming. However, focusing on intrinsic goals that align with your values and extrinsic goals that provide more enjoyment can help increase your happiness.
Being happy is an investment that pays dividends in all aspects of your life. It enhances your relationships, promotes healthy behaviours, increases your career success and provides you with a sense of fulfilment. Happiness also has a ripple effect, bringing happiness to those around you – your family, friends, coworkers and complete strangers.