Some people think that happiness is elusive. This notion is for people that regard happiness as an emotion. The reality is that being happy is a state of being. As such, one can take definite steps to be in this quality of existence.
If someone asks you if you are happy, you should not measure it with how you feel at the moment. Instead, ask yourself if the habits you have at the moment are helping you to move toward this state. It is essential to invest in specific actions for you to experience happiness. Here are some inspirations.
Get Quality Sleep
The quality of your sleep affects how you view your morning the next day. Sleep deprivation can make one grumpy and sluggish. There is no happiness in a body that has no energy to go about its tasks.
It is very important to set the mood of the bedroom to achieve a good night’s sleep. Advancements in technology allow you to get a cooling or warming blanket. You can set the temperature around your bed depending on your preferences. Also, do not forget the right lighting to help you doze off. Bedtime routines also signal your body that it is time to rest.
Eat the Right Food
Being intentional about what you put on your plate helps to determine your mood. Foods rich in protein are responsible for the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals help to improve concentration and increase energy. Sweets like cakes and chocolates can give you a quick surge of serotonin- which is the “feel-good” hormone. But, keep these food types at small servings because too much will cause your body to crash and feel down.
Eating is not only an act to keep you full. Choosing the right ones not only nourishes your body. They also contribute to how you feel throughout the day.
Practice Gratitude
Seeing the good things around and within you is an instant mood booster. Being grateful elicits a sense of satisfaction with where you are in your life at the moment. There are many ways to practice gratitude. Have a gratitude journal, declare things you are grateful for or thank someone. When you keep a grateful heart, you fill your life with positivity and hope.
Be Serious About Decluttering
Clutter can have a negative impact on how you behave. When there seems to be too much going on in your personal space, you can feel overwhelmed. Decluttering helps to gain back a sense of control which in turn lifts your mood.
Allot at least 20 minutes in a week to tackle the clutter in specific areas. Do not take the enormous task of decluttering your whole home all at once. This attempt will only leave you exhausted. You can start with your closet, your workspace, or any place you see fit.
Unplug
There is too much harm that social media is doing in one’s mind and emotions. Keeping a certain personality and playing the comparison game is only a couple of them. It is a huge favor on your part if you allow yourself at least a day in a week when you unplug.
You might get surprised by how uplifting this habit can be. You will come to realize that your self-worth is not tied to what you post. It will feel liberating that you do not need to depend on the number of reacts for you to find happiness.
Find Self-care Rituals That Work for You
Doing something that you love is a welcome treat anytime. But with a full schedule, commit to at least once a week to lavish yourself with self-love. This activity could take on different forms. It could be taking yourself out on a date or catching up with friends. You may also enjoy staying in the shower longer than usual. Doing a hobby or preparing an elaborate meal is also among the options.
The idea of self-care is to dedicate time for yourself to keep yourself centered and grounded. It is a declaration that you matter, too. Self-care is recharging your energies by doing an activity that you enjoy.
Connect with Nature
Being outdoors gives a natural high. It could be because of the combination of the sunshine, fresh air, and green spaces. There are activities that you can incorporate while outdoors that can make you happy. Meditating, exercising, and practicing mindfulness are only a few of them. Something is soothing and calming when you find yourself communing with nature. There are even physical manifestations such as lower blood pressure and reduced stress.
Check Your Progress
You can also achieve happiness when you see how far you have come. That is why it is important to always check your goals and where you are at the moment. See if all the things in your list are still applicable to you or if you want to change your direction. Being in control of your path and knowing how you will move forward is a recipe for being in a happy state.
Happiness is not elusive. It is also not a chance encounter. Happiness is an intentional investment of habits for you to get to the state of being you desire.
