Happiness is not perceived the same way by everyone and yet we all pursue it. But, how to become happier? There are some secrets you need to know. For you, perhaps happiness is being at peace with who you are. Or having a secure network of friends that accept you unconditionally. Or the freedom to pursue your deepest dreams.
Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier life is a mission. Some changes in your regular habits can help you get there and they answer the question ‘How to become happier?’
Smile more
You tend to smile when you are happy, but in fact, this works both ways. We smile because we are happy and smiling makes the brain release dopamine, which makes us even happier. This does not mean you have to move with a fake smile on your face all the time. But the next time you find yourself feeling bad, smile and see what happens. Or try to start each morning smiling to yourself in the mirror!
Exercise
Exercises are not just for your body but also for your mind. Exercising regularly helps reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and depressive symptoms while increases self-esteem and happiness. Even a small amount of physical activity can make a huge difference. Consider these exercises to start: Take a walk around the block every night after dinner. Sign up for an introductory yoga class or something similar. Start your day with 5 minutes of muscle stretching. Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed or activities you always wanted to try, such as golf, bowling, or dancing.
Sleep more
No matter how much modern society drives us towards the idea of sleeping less, we know that proper sleep is vital. Sleep is a source for good health, brain function, and emotional well-being. Most adults need at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night. Here are some tips to help you build a better sleep routine. Write down how many hours of sleep you get each night. After a week, you should have a better idea of how you are doing. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Book bedtime as a quiet time away from electronic devices.
Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking. Keep your bedroom dark, fresh, and quiet. Invest in a good bed. If you have to take a nap, try to limit it to 20 minutes. If you constantly have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. You may have a sleep disorder that requires treatment.
Accept the unhappy moments
A positive attitude is generally a good thing, but bad things happen to everyone. This is only a part of life. If you get bad news, make a mistake, or just feel bad, do not pretend that you are happy. Accept the feeling of dissatisfaction and let yourself experience it for a moment. Then focus on what made you feel that way and what it might take to recover from it. Believe it or not, this is also an answer to the question ‘How to become happy?’ Would a deep breathing exercise help? A long walk outside? Are you talking to someone? Of course, all of this will help you. Let the moment pass and take care of yourself. Remember, no one is happy all the time.
Be grateful
Being grateful can improve your mood, in addition to other benefits. For example, a recent study found that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on your feelings of hope and happiness. Start each day by remembering one thing for which you are grateful. You can do this while brushing your teeth or just waiting for that second alarm when you are feeling drowsy. As you continue your day, try to count your blessings. They can be great things, such as knowing that someone loves you or getting a well-deserved appreciation. But they can also be small things, such as a colleague offering you a cup of coffee or a neighbor making you one by hand. Maybe even just the warmth of the sun on your skin. With a little practice, you can become even more aware of all the positive things around you.
