12 things that lead to happiness!
Is happiness a choice after all?
Who wouldn’t want to live a happy life without obstacles? A life without having to endure unpleasant experiences, without the pain of depression, without loneliness, stress, or low self-esteem. A life filled only with beautiful and happy moments…
But that’s not true happiness! The spice of life lies in its ups and downs, which make it interesting and meaningful, offering us choices. We have the ability to choose happiness because the secret lies not in a life without problems, but in how we react to them and where we choose to direct our focus.
Happiness is a habit.
It’s all those little daily things that fill our day. Money, success and rewards are temporary and cannot truly fulfill us if happiness does not already reside within us.
So what can we do to start leading a happier life?
- Exercise is one of the most important actions we can take immediately to enhance our lives. It aids in relaxation, strengthens us, and equips us to better handle life’s challenges. Additionally, exercise enhances the quality of our sleep and uplifts our mood through the production of endorphins and serotonin. It’s no coincidence that endorphins are often referred to as the hormones of happiness!
- To control our thoughts.The majority of our thoughts tend to be negative, but if we desire to shift our thoughts and behaviors towards positivity, we must begin to fill our minds with more uplifting ideas. Only then will we be able to diminish self-criticism and overcome self-doubt that hinders our progress. Self-improvement books and videos should become an indispensable tool in our daily lives.
- We shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves.We often treat ourselves harshly and critically without any valid reason. If it were a friend of ours, we would undoubtedly speak to them with more kindness and love. Why do we subject ourselves to such treatment? Let’s cease bombarding ourselves with negativity and self-pity. Our true selves are our best friends, and unless we make peace with ourselves, we will struggle to find true happiness.
- Trust our abilities. We all possess unique talents and abilities. We’re all good at something. There is something that no one else in the world will do like we do. But most people don’t recognize their talents and don’t use them. Our happiness depends on us. Let’s start spending time on the things we enjoy and are good at.
- Let’s aleviate stress. Anxiety and stress are among the most prevalent mental disorders. Let’s make an effort to identify the factors that induce stress in our lives, enabling us to explore strategies for managing them. If, for instance, our job generates stress that we cannot simply leave, let’s contemplate alternative ways to handle the situation. Many individuals are embracing meditation and yoga as alternative approaches to find relaxation.
- To live in the now. Stress drains the energy from the present moment. As Lao Tse once said, “If you feel sad, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you live in the future. If you are at peace, you live in the present.” True happiness resides in the present.
- Spend more time with positive people.Gradually, we need to begin gravitating towards positive individuals, distancing ourselves from the negative ones, even if they have been a significant part of our lives. Is it preferable to maintain toxic relationships solely because they are familiar, or is it better to cultivate new connections that contribute to our happiness?
- Strengthen close contacts.The quality of our relationships mirrors the quality of our lives. To our loved ones, including family, friends, partners, and children, let’s make a conscious effort to express and demonstrate more frequently that they hold significant positions in our lives.
- Be more friendly.We may not always have the power to instantly alleviate another person’s pain, but we can, even if only for a brief moment, bring them some comfort. Often, when we approach others with openness and friendliness, we invite smiles and kindness in return. This not only uplifts them but also brings us a sense of well-being.
- To help others.Help does not solely revolve around money; it can also encompass our time, compassion, and skills. By engaging in volunteering, we not only extend support to others but also embark on a journey of self-discovery. We come to recognize what holds true significance and worth, and we start finding joy in the little things.
- To deepen our relationship with the “Higher Power”.Regardless of our individual beliefs, what truly matters is our ability to distance ourselves from self-centeredness and direct our attention towards the greater good. By doing so, we can develop a different perspective on life’s setbacks.
- We should be grateful. It is important to acknowledge our blessings. When we start listing the things we are grateful for, we will discover that the list is not as small as we may think. We will come to realize how fortunate we are, even if we believe otherwise.
Happiness is indeed a choice and within our control!
This doesn’t mean that every day is perfect. Despite the occurrence of unpleasant events, we have the power to choose how we react, and that is what makes all the difference!