Are you happy? You might think that happiness is out of your control and it’s only reserved for people who are lucky enough to be born into the right family, or be in the right place at the right time, but it turns out that being happy is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to be happier in 7 simple steps by Sujan Pariyar.
Happiness starts with gratitude
One of the simplest, and most effective ways to be happier is also one of the most often overlooked: gratitude. Just taking a moment each day to count your blessings can have a profound impact on your overall happiness. But why does gratitude have such a powerful effect? It turns out that feeling grateful puts us in a state of mindfulness—a kind of attention where we are fully aware and accepting of our current experience. Mindfulness has been shown to promote feelings of well-being, reduce stress, and boost optimism. When we’re grateful for what we have right now, we feel more connected with others—and this sense of connection has been linked with greater levels of happiness too. The act of counting our blessings reminds us that there are many things in life worth being happy about—even if they don’t seem like much right now!
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
One small change can make a big difference in your overall happiness. If you’re used to thinking negative thoughts, try replacing them with positive ones. For example, instead of thinking I’m such a failure, tell yourself I’m doing my best.
Take time out for yourself
It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take some time out for yourself. But trust me, taking even just a few minutes each day to do something that makes you happy can make a world of difference. Here are a few simple things you can do to make sure you’re taking care of yourself:
- Make time for your hobbies and interests
- Spend quality time with friends and family
- Connect with nature
- Invest in self-care
Self-improvement is the next step to a happier life
Now that you know the secret to happiness, it’s time to start making some changes in your life. One of the best ways to do this is by working on self-improvement. After all, if you’re not happy with yourself, it’ll be tough to be happy with anything else.
Accept who you are
Too often, we try to be someone we’re not. We compare ourselves to others and try to model our lives after what we see on social media or in the movies. But the truth is, happiness comes from accepting who you are. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and not comparing yourself to anyone else. So if you’re not happy with who you are, make a change. Be kind to yourself and start accepting yourself for who you are.
Practice being compassionate
We often think that in order to be happy, we need to achieve big things or possess material possessions. But the truth is, happiness comes from within. One of the best ways to tap into that inner happiness is through compassion. By being compassionate towards others, we open up the door to feeling more compassion for ourselves- and that is the key to true happiness.
Exercise daily
You don’t have to run a marathon every day or become a yoga teacher overnight. Just adding a little bit of movement into your day can make a big difference. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. And the more endorphins you have, the happier you’ll feel. So even if you don’t love working out, know that it’s good for your mind as well as your body.