Finding happiness can be a big goal for many people. Of course, we all want to be happy in life, but what does that mean? It can mean different things for each individual. It can be connected to your career, hobbies, and people in your life.
If you want to make the most of happiness and the benefits it can bring to you, check out these 8 tips for being happy.
1. Laugh more
Search for the humor in situations—and yourself. Finding something to laugh about on the darkest of days can raise our spirits when we need it the most. Even just smiling can help us feel better as it can be hard to feel sad when we’re smiling. Seek out people who make you laugh. Studies show that laughing can even boost our immune system.
2. Play more
Often times we can get caught up in working all the time. This can include working a job, with housework, caregiving, or running errands. Be sure to schedule in play time each week to unwind and participate in activities that bring you joy. In doing this, you’ll be refreshing yourself for all those working hours.
3. Nurture your spirit and body
Taking care of ourselves is a big part of being happy. This can include self-care things like eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercise, and mediation. It means honoring yourself by incorporating activities that make you feel peaceful, healthy, and content.
4. Be present
Going with the flow in the present is a big part of being happy. Letting go of the past and regrets can help you enjoy the moments you’re living now. Each day remind yourself to relish what’s happening right now with the people you care about around you. Remember, the past can’t be changed but how you choose to spend your time in the present can affect your future.
5. Spread happiness to others
Making others happy is an easy way to spread happiness around us. This can be through simple generosity of spirit. Offering someone a kind word, a smile, or the gift of your time. Being kind and compassionate goes a long way in making people feel good, including ourselves.
6. Practice gratitude
Make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. Take a few minutes to review what you have to be grateful for whether it’s in a few minutes of stillness or writing it down in a journal. Taking note of all the wonderful things and people in your life can instantly boost your mood. Focusing on the smaller things is just as important as the big—like a chat with an old friend or a walk in the sunshine.
7. Spend time with friends and family
Developing and sustaining positive and supportive relationships throughout our life can have a big impact on how we feel. Knowing we belong, are loved, and are accepted are keys to human happiness. Studies show that people who keep up social connections live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
8. Focus on experiences not material things
Over time, things we buy can break or need to be replaced. While shopping can be a fun distraction for a brief time, creating experiences can have a much longer hold on us. When we spend money on events and not things, we take those memories with us for the rest of our life. They become part of us, and we can relive them again and again in our mind. Sharing these experiences with others can have an even bigger impact on our happiness with bonding moments and shared memories to revisit.
Each new day can bring us all opportunities to embrace contentment in the here and now. Practicing habits to make happiness a daily choice is a simple choice but can have positive lasting effects on your life.