How do you know when you’re happy? Tough question to answer, right? What does happiness mean to you? An even tougher question to answer!
Do something kind for someone and watch your happiness skyrocket. Remember the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive?” Surprise the person behind you and pay for their coffee. Hold the door for someone and wish them a good day. Make eye contact with someone and say hello with a smile. These things may sound insignificant, but give it a try and watch what happens.
2. Practice Gratitude
Create a list of 3 things that make you feel grateful. These things don’t have to be big, expensive, or life-changing; they can be simple things like a sunny day or a rainy day, playing with your dog, or completing a big project. There are no set rules – anything counts as long as your gratitude grows.
3. Play
Don’t be so serious. Take a few minutes and have a little fun. Rake a pile of leaves and jump in, toss a ball with your kids, or go to the park and swing in the breeze. Step outside of your comfort zone, and play a little or a lot.
4. Choose Positivity
A smile will brighten your day. The benefits of a positive attitude include lower rates of depression and anxiety, living longer, better heart health, and lower levels of distress. You may be thinking, “I’m not a positive person, so how do I make this work?” Just fake it until you develop the habit of a positive attitude. Take a stance against your negativity. For every negative thought or negative behavior, counter it with a positive thought or a positive behavior.
5. Practice Self-Care
Do you always put others’ needs and wants before your own? Putting yourself first doesn’t make you a selfish person. Don’t fall into that line of thinking because that’s a trap. Taking good care of yourself.
Set a 30- day goal and document your practices along the way. Happiness is within your reach. You deserve it.
