Dictionary.com defines happiness as “the quality or state of being happy; good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.” True happiness comes from within. We have created a list of a few things you can do to live a happier life.
Keep a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is a journal or other notebook dedicated to documenting the blessings in your life. Take notice of things in your life for which you are grateful. Consider the big things like having a roof over your head or healthy children. But don’t forget the small things like a bird at the porch feeder, a great parking spot, or a full moon in the night sky. You’ll feel a lift in your spirit when you take a moment to acknowledge the good in your life. Write in your gratitude journal every evening, or carry a small notepad with you to jot down your observations as your day unfolds.
Turn up the music
Music can be calming or energizing, comforting, cathartic or empowering. Whether you like Mozart or something more contemporary, if it moves you, turn it up. If it makes you feel like dancing, so much the better. Create a playlist of your favorite songs on Spotify, Pandora, or another music service, and enjoy!
Put down your phone
Too much screen time can detract from your happiness in a number of ways. Your phone removes you from the people around you and prevents you from being present in the moment. Scanning social media can leave you feeling isolated and inadequate. The 24-hour news cycle can leave you feeling battered or angry or both. Maybe you can’t go entirely off the grid, but putting your phone down, especially before bedtime, will help you live a happier life.
Breathe
Most of us don’t think about breathing, but science suggests we would be calmer, healthier and happier if we did. For example, see this article, this one, this one, or this one. “Controlled breathing” is a way to activate the body’s relaxation response and quash the stress (fight or flight) response. A number of free and low-cost apps are available to guide you through the practice of controlled breathing. Just Google “breathing apps” to find one that works for you.
Buy time, not stuff
If you are like most busy adults, there is not enough time in your day to do everything you have to do, let alone time left over to do anything you want to do. This leaves you in a constant state of “time famine.” Famine is not conducive to happiness; it breeds desperation and anxiety. So, how do you get more time? Take a look at your to-do list. Is there anything on that list that you can pay someone else to do? Research has shown that spending $40 on a timesaving service will make you happier. For example, if you don’t like doing yard work on the weekends, pay a lawn service to do that work. Use your newly-freed time to read, go on a hike, or take your kids to the beach.
Make your bedroom a sanctuary
Your bedroom can be a sacred place in your home where you can relax and unwind. Do your best to keep this space free of clutter. Infuse it with the scent of fragrant candles or essential oils. Paint the walls a calming color. Make your bed every day using luxuriously soft sheets and blankets. Not only will your room feel tidier and more welcoming, you’ll start each day with a sense of accomplishment.
Cultivate personal relationships
It is certainly possible to be happy alone, but you can live a happier life when you’re connected to a strong social network. Happy people form deep emotional attachments to other people – a spouse or life-partner, good friends – and sometimes to a dog, cat, or other pet. Make plans to see your friends periodically. Take turns hosting a monthly “family” dinner or other get together. Share a meal, a glass of wine, and catch up with what’s going on in each other’s lives.
Find satisfaction in your work
Even if your dream job is still just a dream, you will be happier if you change the way you approach your work. All work has value; sometimes you just have to look at it from a different angle to see it. And if that doesn’t work, maybe the post-pandemic Great Resignation means it’s time to start that business you always dreamed of starting.
Your Next Steps
If you need a daily word of encouragement, consider signing up for 5 AM Joel’s daily email. And try incorporating one or two of these tips to live a happier life. Getting started is easier than you think!
