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What are you doing on a daily basis to create happiness in your life? Yes, I said create it. Your thoughts and actions can have such an incredible impact on your outlook on life.
Does life throw some nasty curve balls from time to time? Absolutely. Do you have to react dramatically and let it “ruin everything”? Definitely not.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
“If you can’t change the circumstances, change your perspective.” – unknown
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou
You might say I’m a “dramatic” person, but I try to keep my diva-ness contained to ridiculous little things, such as dramatically declaring I’m going to starve to death if I find out my husband ate my leftovers. (But seriously, don’t touch my food)
In a serious situation, however, I am able to keep a level head and calmly assess what’s happening. Will freaking out solve the problem? Will throwing a boo-hoo pity party make anything better? I understand that there are devastating things that can absolutely knock the wind out of a person, but you get to decide how long it is going to bring you down.
Putting some of these tips into practice can really affect your happiness and how quickly you are able to rebound from disheartening situations.
Start with the basics:
You’d be amazed at how much a regular food, water, sleep, exercise schedule will help.
Hanger is a real thing…it can be so hard to eat a balanced diet with a busy lifestyle, but it’s possible, and it can do wonders.
Sleep..can be elusive for many, busy life, too much work, crying baby…some of those things are within your control to change – put down the laptop, read that blog I wrote about sleep-aiding foods, and get some rest! If you’ve got a child that’s affecting your sleep schedule, well…I’m sorry about that 😛 but it won’t last forever!
Move it! If you think “I don’t like to exercise, it’s hard and boring” you are sadly mistaken. There’s no one size fits all definition of a good workout. There are so many summer activities that can get your heart pumping, take advantage of them! If that baby of yours isn’t letting you sleep you may as well do some lunges or squats while you’re holding him/her! Endorphins are a magical thing. As Elle Woods would say “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy! Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” Something we should all strive for 😛
Be thankful:
No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how many of those nasty curveballs have been sent your way lately, there is always something to be thankful for. Reminding yourself of the things you can be grateful for can definitely have a positive effect on your mood. Spend a couple minutes each day and just make a list in your head of the things, people, places you have to be thankful for. I try to think of a few things first thing in the morning, but other than that I just catch myself thinking of things throughout the day.
Have a hobby:
Everyone has a talent. It may currently be hidden! But I’m sure it’s there somewhere. It doesn’t have to be anything magnificent – we’re not all going to paint a masterpiece or record the next hit single and that’s ok. I am an excellent reader. I enjoy it, it’s fun for me, and a good use of my time. I’d say that’s my main hobby – nothing fancy, just something to keep me occupied. Instead of sitting in front of the TV for hours on end, figure out something you can do that you would enjoy for even just 1/2 an hour a day!
Be kind:
Positive breeds positive. If you take some time to say something kind or do something helpful for another person, you are going to benefit! It just makes you feel good to be helpful to others. Write your coworker a note thanking them for their help with a problem you had. Ask the little old lady down the street if you can water her flowers for her. Tell the stranger in the grocery store that you love their outfit. All of these are small things that will take you hardly any time, but will leave both you and the recipient feeling happier.
Have a conversation:
It’s important to take time to connect with others. Yes, many of us talk to people all day long, but there’s a difference between a 30 second customer service conversation and a 10 minute one with a friend. You’re not an island. It’s good to have people to go to with the happy, the sad, and the infuriating (because being a happy person doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be things that make you crazy from time to time).
Smile.
That’s it. Do it sometimes for no good reason and trick yourself into thinking you have something to smile about. Because whether you think so or not, you do (see the “Be Thankful” paragraph!)
What do you do in your day to day life that makes you happy?
xo
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