The happiness of people varies widely. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships and individual ways of thinking all affect how happy you feel.
However, most of us have some control over our happiness. A “full tank” means having a solid foundation of positive emotions, strong social connections, and fulfilling goals that align with your values.
1. Focus on what you have
Focusing on what you have, rather than what you don’t have, can help you feel happier. Instead of focusing on all the things you don’t have (like debt or illness), think about what you do have (like your health and a positive outlook).
It can be hard to keep this in mind when it’s time to make a big life change, like moving abroad or quitting your job, but embracing your strengths and focusing on what matters can help you find happiness on your journey.
When you focus on what you want, you’ll attract it into your life. So don’t be afraid to dream big and start taking steps towards your goals.
2. Make time for yourself
It might feel like you don’t have the time to make yourself a priority, but you can find small ways to fit in self-care habits into your daily routine. It might be as simple as closing the door to your home and saying you’re on personal business for an hour, or it might be scheduling a regular workout or a writing session.
The most important thing to remember is that you need to be happy and healthy before you can be the best version of yourself for others. Think about the flight safety advice that says to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else — without taking care of yourself, you can’t help anyone else.
3. Take care of yourself
Everyone has different needs when it comes to taking care of themselves, but there are some things that can be categorized as baseline self-care. These are non-negotiable practices that are designed to help you recharge, rejuvenate and manage stress more effectively.
These activities can include anything from curling up with a good book to spending time on a hobby or trying something new. The key is to find what refuels your battery and make it a priority. If you need help determining what your baseline self-care might look like, talk to your primary care provider at Methodist Physicians Clinic.
4. Do the things you love
It’s important to do the things you love. Whether it’s a hobby, a job, or a relationship, it’s important to enjoy what you do and give it your best. If you find yourself in a situation that doesn’t make you happy, it’s time to explore other options or work to transition into something that does.
You can do this by assessing how full or empty your tank is each day and making sure you’re doing the things that fill it up. This will help you to feel happier and be more productive throughout the day.
5. Make time for friends and family
Family and friends are important. Make sure to spend quality time with them, even if it’s as simple as watching movies together or playing games on the weekends.
Don’t wait for others to make the plans – take the initiative! It’s also good to find some way to stretch and grow your mind each day. Reading, learning a new skill, or taking a class can help. This will keep your brain healthy and happy. It will also help you respond to life’s challenges in an emotionally healthy way.
6. Take care of your health
In addition to helping you feel physically well, taking care of your health is also good for your mental health. Managing stress, getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods can help you to feel your best mentally. This is especially important if you have any chronic health issues like stress, anxiety or depression which can be made worse by an unhealthy lifestyle.
Figure out what fills your emotional tank and drains it, and then start putting some fuel in your tank each day. This will give you the physical, emotional and mental energy to take on the journey this life has put you on.
7. Make time for yourself
The most important thing to remember is that you can’t help anyone else if your own energy banks are empty. It’s like the advice we get on airplanes – put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.
Taking time for yourself helps you recharge, feel better and reduce your stress levels. It can be as simple as closing your door for an hour or finding a regular hobby you enjoy.
It may be hard to add self-care habits to your schedule, but starting small and being consistent is key. Eventually, these small changes will become part of your daily routine.