Like a car, your happiness needs to be filled up regularly. Running on empty can lead to a range of problems, including an inability to function.
Happiness is an electrifying but elusive state. Philosophers, theologians and psychologists have long tried to pin it down.
Some theories identify happiness with life satisfaction, domain satisfactions and emotional or hedonistic states. Others take a more holistic approach.
1. Take care of yourself
Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally. This can include everything from ensuring you get enough sleep to practicing mindfulness. It also includes establishing regular self-care activities like a bubble bath once a week or taking a break from social media.
Many people feel guilty about making time for themselves, but it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s similar to the advice given on airplanes: Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. You can’t help others if you are depleted and stressed.
Incorporate self-care into your daily routine to improve health, productivity, and happiness. This can include exercise, healthy eating habits, mindfulness, meditation, and finding a therapist. It can also mean setting boundaries and saying no when necessary.
3. Give back
Research shows that while having a fulfilling career and material possessions can help happiness, it’s also possible to find joy by helping others. Whether it’s holding the door for someone or volunteering at a soup kitchen, small acts of kindness can feel good for the giver as well as the receiver.
One study found that people expressed more happiness when thinking back on how they helped others compared to thinking about times they spent money on themselves. This could mean that business leaders might want to consider letting employees participate in the charitable giving process instead of simply telling them where their company’s donation goes.
Make it a habit to help others regularly. You can start by reaching out to your community and asking how you can help them.
4. Connect with others
Social connection is a key component of happiness. Though it can be tempting to forgo social activities in favor of spending time alone, research shows that both introverts and extroverts are happier when they regularly experience social connection.
Even brief interactions with strangers can elevate happiness. Researchers have found that happiness is contagious up to three degrees of separation, meaning that the people you are connected to can influence your own well-being and the way that you interact with others.
Happiness can be a complex concept, encompassing everything from momentary bursts of joy to enduring satisfaction. However, by understanding the different components of happiness and learning practical strategies to cultivate it, individuals can create a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and happy. To keep your tank full, spend time with friends and family, exercise daily, eat a balanced diet, reduce stress, and engage in self-care.
5. Make a difference
The happiness that you feel impacts everyone around you. Whether it’s an outward ripple effect like Anne Sullivan teaching a blind and deaf girl or simply helping someone at work or in your community, your positive attitude can make a difference.
Research suggests that many aspects of happiness are within our control: indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in a task, regularly setting and meeting goals, prioritizing personal relationships, practicing gratitude, and finding purpose beyond yourself are all study-backed ways to boost life satisfaction.
And finally, making a difference can start with something as simple as smiling at someone and then expanding to volunteering or helping a friend in need. Changing the world may seem impossible, but playing your part makes a big impact.