7 ways to live a happier life

Happiness? Everyone wants it - EVERYONE. Yet, I think the problem is that we see happiness as a concept, as an idea. If good things are going on in our lives then we will be happy but, that's not the case. Often, things can go wrong in our lives and we can find ourselves feeling sad and down. The thing is, we can't control what is going on around us but, the good thing is; we can control how we react to what happens to us meaning we are in control of our own happiness. Say that to yourself, right now. "I'm in control of my own happiness" - Empowering, isn't it?

So, do you want to be a happier person?

If you answered yes then great because I've put a list together of all the little things you can start doing to become a happier person.

 

1. Journaling

 

Journaling is the number one thing that I would recommend to everyone on this entire Earth if I could. I've kept a diary since I was 13 years old and it's the best thing ever as I now have all of those memories to look back on. Yet, I've it's only been in the past 2-3 years that I've realised just how much comfort a journal can bring. Honestly, I promise you - Keeping a journal is going to be so beneficial for you and it will improve your life. It's somewhere to jot thoughts that are filling your brain and in the process of that you really discover and connect with yourself.

 

You don't necessarily have to do it every single day, just write when you feel the urge to write. One thing I will say is that the more you write, the more that urge comes.

 

    2. Practice gratitude  

 

Practicing gratitude is a really good way to become a lot happier with the things that you have rather than sad over what you don't have. I like to do this through writing down "3 things I'm grateful for" every day (or at least, I try to every day). It really makes you appreciate the little things in life; maybe it's the fact someone smiled at you today or even how the fresh air felt against your skin. No matter what, giving gratitude to the things that make you feel happy will make you notice even more things that make you happy thus causing a general feeling of more happiness in your life.

 

   3. Affirmations

 

Affirmations are a great way to help you grow more belief and confidence in yourself and aspects in your life that you're not so happy about. For instance, if you feel like you're not very good at your job you could say affirmations like: "My skills are needed in my work place", "I am good at what I do", "I am a hard worker that will achieve". Honestly, I can't put into words how much affirmations have been helping me boost my confidence and if you're confident in yourself then you're of course going to be a lot happier in yourself. Even if you don't believe what you're saying to yourself, just say it and they will soon begin to sink in and help you succeed in life.

 

Image source

 

  4. Sun Salutation

 

Something that I've really been trying to bring into my routine recently is 'Sun Salutation' which is a series of 12 yoga stretches that you do in the most preferably in the mornings (there is one for night time, called 'Moon Salutation'). There are a lot of benefits for the 'Sun Salutation' which are: it improves blood circulation through the body, maintains health and many, many more. As well as that, it's a great stretch.

I've included a picture above in case you're interested in practicing it.

5. Positive thoughts

Never, ever underestimate the power of positive thoughts. The best way to actually realise how much power your thoughts have over your happiness is to tune into them and be conscious of how they make you feel. Do you know them days that you just don't feel good about yourself, you hate how your make-up looks, you don't like your outfit and you just don't feel good about yourself. You spend that whole day feeling insecure. So, imagine if you turn could turn those negative thoughts into positive ones, just think how much more happier you could be.

I will do a whole post on this topic because I think it deserves it but for now, just start being more conscious of what you're thinking and how it's effecting you.

  6. Exercise

Exercise is a big one. Firstly, it releases endorphins which make you feel happy. It gives you more energy and for me, it really clears my head and makes me feel good about myself. You don't have to do much, you could just do a ten minute workout every day or even just do 30 crunches when you wake up. Don't feel bad for not doing much, feel happy that you're taking time to do something to better your happiness.

  7. Fresh air

I don't know about you but I definitely notice I feel less happy if I'm constantly staying inside cooped up. So, I've been making an effort to go outside and do something every single day which has really increased my happiness. You don't have to do much, maybe you could pop to the shop to get some coffee or go out on a walk. If you're not feeling up to going outside then just stick your head out of a window and breathe the fresh air in. No matter what, make sure that you feel that air everyday. It's seriously good for you.

Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate it. This is my first lifestyle post and I've really enjoyed writing it, I'm excited to start writing even more of them. I hope that these tips have helped you and would love to hear about how you're getting on with them.

- C

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