I think as we go through the tolls of 40+ hour work weeks, grumpy bosses, or that extra 10 lbs we put on during Christmas that still hasn’t budged even though we feel like we’ve become gym rats, all of it darkens our perception on life. Being happy tends to get put on the back-burner. That is why I am going to share some tips on how to be happy and make it a priority.
Often, we get stuck in a rut of complaining about everything that is going wrong with our lives. We do this at the expense of focusing on what makes our lives exceptional. I think we’ve all been there. Whatever it may be that has been getting you down lately, being happy sometimes just doesn’t feel like it can happen. I’ve been in the same rut too. It isn’t something I’ve completely cured myself of either, but I realized how essential it is to be happy when I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day. I caught myself reminding her, “You only have one life to live. Would you rather spend the rest of your life miserable because it is convenient? Or would you rather have a few bumps but be happy?”
As the words escaped my mouth I couldn’t help but realize that I’m in control of my perception and outlook on life.
As are you.
You may not have the money to afford those beautiful shoes, or you may not have been offered that job you thought you were perfect for, or you may not have gotten a date with the cutie in the cubicle adjacent to you. But, how you deal with these little hiccups or bumps in the road are in your control.
And did I mention how surprised you will be by how much happiness has an effect on your health and life? Loads.
Tips To Be Happy
So, before we start to complain about our first world problems let us try to readjust our focus and concentrate on finding something to be happy about every day. Here are a few key components on how to start your day happy and be happy during the day to day routine.
Start your day with what makes you happy!
Wake up early, get ready, but leave yourself some time to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, put on your favorite album and let your body get ready for the day. Don’t start thinking about dirty dishes in your sink or the deadlines waiting for you on your desk. Instead, thank your body for its’ strength to get you up and moving in the morning!
Before you let your bank account bum you out because you can’t afford the latest baby gear or fancy furniture remember there are a lot of people out there who are struggling to find their next meal. Starting your day with appreciation for the things you have rather than focusing on the things you don’t have is not only good for your spirit but you’ll end up being a lot happier at the end of the day. Aka you’ll be happy!
Pinterest | Elizabeth Robinson
Smile and often.
Do you ever notice how often we don’t smile in our day-to-day routine? Just smiling even when you don’t feel up to it will put your body in a better mood and it’s infectious, so spread the happiness around.
Pinterest | Emilia
Happiness starts with you, inside your heart and soul.
How you talk to yourself is going to define how you feel about yourself. This one is hard to achieve—even I have a hard time loving myself but your body will thank you for it as well as the young women in your life who look up to you as role models.
Pinterest | Erin Vale
Fuel your body with happiness.
Yes, I know you’re asking yourself what in the world is she talking about? Well, research has found that exercise, healthy diets, and regular sleep are the key ingredients to staying happy and a key component to becoming happy.
Find happiness in your job.
Of course, we all want the perfect job but don’t expect that job to define your happiness. In fact, research indicates it is your outlook that defines how satisfied you are. But like I said that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try for the career you want. Research also shows that when you are on the right career path it is a key factor in your overall happiness. Just remember, your job is a small piece to happiness compared to the outlook you have.
Rid yourself of grudges.
Grudges beget more grudges—whatever is holding you back from feeling happy whether it be jealousy, resentment, disdain for someone else’s behavior, etc. Leave it at the door. It is understandable to get mad every now and again but don’t let it ruin your life.
Photo Source: Pinterest | P.S I Made This
Connect with people.
Research has also found that spending more time in deep, meaningful conversations and less time in small talk increases your levels of happiness. What’s that? You are happier when you don’t beat around the bush? So, let it out.
Source | GleamOfDreams
Be Optimistic.
Instead of looking for the down side look for the up side. Trust me, I know this one can be tough especially when you are going through a rough patch but go home and write down all the things that make you happy (even the little things!). Anytime you are hit with a tough situation, try to find some morsel of good from it. Just doing this will change your outlook and your mood will change!
Pinterest | Glitter Guide
Express Gratitude
At the dinner table, ask your kids what they are most grateful for today. Doing this simple habit will encourage their thoughts and yours to come from a place of enough.
In the words of Lao Tzu: “Watch your actions; for they become habit. Watch your habits; for they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny.”
So When Are You Happiest?
If you are like me, it may take you a few moments of reflection to answer the question, “When are you happiest?” So many things can make me happy and really it is so many small things because happiness often comes in waves of enjoyment.
Here are a few examples of my happy moments. Make your own list or use my list to spark your ideas. Io find happiness when:
- my kids come hop into my bed in the morning to snuggle!
- I am reading a book to my kids.
- I am looking into my husband’s eyes and he is looking back at me.
- chowing down on my favorite foods.
- there is a beautiful blue sky and I am outdoors to enjoy it.
- I am laying on the beach.
- I relax in a hot tub.
- sitting down to a family dinner and everyone enjoys it.
- I see my kids having a blast.
- I am sitting on my couch all cozied up with my husband for a good movie.
- someone gives me good feedback on my blog!
- I get to go somewhere new or try something new.
- I hear, “I love you.”
Happiness is a choice, so I hope you make the choice to find happiness in the little things. This may all take a bit of introspection. Think about it. What makes your day? How can you do more of that?
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed the happiness quotes and the happy inspiration from Pinterest! How do you get yourself out of a rut so you can be happy? What are a few of your tips to being and staying happy everyday? We would love to hear your thoughts on how to be happy in the comments below. Go ahead and smile; it feels good!
*Where is all that research coming from that she was talking about up there? Well, here. And there is a lot of research on how to be happy!
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Doing Good Together says
This is all excellent advice! And those Pinterest quotes are excellent reminders.
We like to add the idea that service to others — especially when done as a family — can reinforce the feelings of happiness. As we make others happy — in our family, neighborhood, school, workplace, or community — we, in turn, often experience greater happiness ourselves! It’s a win-win. For those looking for family-friendly ways to serve others, Doing Good Together™ offers lots of advice and ideas on our website and in our newsletter. Please check us out!
Heidi Rogers says
Thank you so much, Doing Good Together! You offer some great advice and you are exactly right, service to others is one of the best ways to add an extra boost of happiness in your life! Thanks for sharing =)