7 Ways to Be Happy Everyday
#7 Connect with something greater than yourself.
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” — Dale Carnegie
Every day we are influenced and bothered by the news beaming at us from our phone screens or the terrible news on the television screen. Amidst this, it really isn't possible to display a genuine smile and feel good about our lives. It would be stupid to think that we could feel happy every moment of our lives while it is immersed in tension and strain.
But is a state of being happy that far from being attained by us even when we try? Though this is a tricky question — the answer is no! Happiness is a state of mind and it is very close to us, closer than we know. We only need to seek it. We only need to choose it.
Happiness is defined differently by everyone, in short, it’s subjective in nature. For some, it might be having a large circle of friends who accept and love you unconditionally. Or to have financial stability and some amount of fame. Or to marry the love of your life. But while chasing these goals, we often forget how important it is to be at peace with who you are and what you have.
Regardless of your definition of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfying life is within your reach. A few changes to your regular habits can help you get there.
Here are a few ways to embrace happiness in your everyday life.
1. Smile more
“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don’t feel like smiling or even when you don't know that you’re smiling! When you are stressed, take some time to put on a smile. Smiling can make your mind believe that you are experiencing a good situation which can trick your brain to send out feel-good chemicals. I am speaking from experience here.
Smiling not only has the power to elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of the people around you. And who wouldn't want that? We all strive to have a happier and positive circle.
And come on, who doesn't look good when they smile? It can make you look beautiful and youthful. So, go ahead, smile more!
2. Practice gratitude
“If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.”
— Robert Quillen
This simple method works like magic. Simply being grateful can give your mood a huge and positive change. Start each day by counting one thing you’re grateful for. And slowly increase it to three. Look out for all the pleasant things throughout the day and say thanks whenever and wherever you can.
Studies have shown that when you count your blessings, you are building a bridge to well-being by reducing anxiety, stress and depression.
3. Quit social media for some time
Studies have shown that social media can harm your life satisfaction and subjective well-being. Evidence also suggests that social media is linked to depressive symptoms.
Social media makes you a lot more aware of what is happening in the so-called-real-world, and if your life is nowhere close to what you see on your phone, it can hurt your self-esteem. And when your self-esteem lowers, you don't feel good about yourself.
This era is filled with photoshopped pictures, fake-models and influencers, online gurus with no knowledge of wellness and fitness, and readily available tools that make you look like you are in outer space too! When you dive deep into this hokum, your self-image is diminished by a mile without you even realizing it.
So quit it for a while and see how you will automatically find peace and happiness.
4. Practice deep breathing
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
— Oprah Winfrey
Certain habits and types of breathing help cure depression and anxiety. According to the study, breathing deeply slows down the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which is why there is a link between stress and breathing. Stress heightens the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is why breathing is said to help with this.
Inhale through your nose, hold it for five seconds, and let it go slowly. Research suggests that repeating the above exercise five times can reduce anxiety and sadness. Learning to use your breath can relieve you from major tensions and stress. And the best part about this exercise is that it is easy and free! It doesn’t require any equipment and you can do it anytime and anywhere.
5. Focus on good and funny things
“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.” — Charles Bukowski
Positive thinking is in some ways magic but it won’t make all of your problems disappear. What it will do is make your problems seem tiny and manageable. It simply helps you approach your crisis more positively and productively. Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life. When you’re faced with a problem, focus on the good things no matter how silly or seemingly insignificant they seem.
When things seem impossible, look for humour and permit yourself to laugh. It instantly lightens the mood and makes things seem a little less difficult.
6. Meet people
“That’s what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you’re not so lovable.”
— Deb Caletti
Being around positive people has definitely changed my life. It has also helped me improve my self-esteem and change my perspective on life
Surround yourself with people who will lift your spirits and help you see the bright side. Or you can always have a long and warm phone conversation with people who love you. Connection and intimacy don’t always require a romantic partner, you can always talk to your next-door neighbor. Or who better than a good friend who always has your back?
Also, companionship doesn’t have to be limited to other humans — pets or even a good book or movie can offer similar benefits. Spend time petting your cute little cat and see how it changes your mood. Read a good book and see yourself smiling.
7. Connect with something greater than yourself
“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” — Hans Urs von Balthasar
If you feel connected to something larger than your life and yourself, your mind begins to relax and feels unbothered by the troubles of this temporary world.
Discover something greater than the people who surround you and the work you do. Be it God, spirituality or a set of values that define you. In short, something that soothes and baffles you at the same time.
With every step you take towards a spiritual journey, the more satisfied you will be. Every step will take you closer to the true you and you will find happiness within yourself.
For me, the life-changing process started when I ditched silly YouTube videos and focused on spiritual development videos that drove me down the road of enlightenment.
Build more meaningful relationships and laugh over the silliest of things. But never forget to build a strong and lasting relationship with yourself.
