As 2019 draws to a close, the end of another decade, I have been contemplating the important things in life, and ultimately, the number one thing I want is to be happy.
As a first time mother to a 2 month old, that’s what I want for him too (especially when he is crying!)
Check out these 10 great tips to feel happier every day, let’s all start this next decade with a more joyful heart and mind!
Feel happier today by:
Getting enough Sleep.
Reaching for that 3rd coffee? Try getting an extra hour shuteye by going to bed earlier and skipping that last Netflix episode you’re binge watching.
Research shows adults need 7-9 hours sleep each night. Also, your body tends to detox around midnight so if you can get to bed well and truly before the clock strikes 12, then even better!
Drinking plenty of Water
Going 8 hours at night without any hydration can make even the healthiest person feel crummy.
Start the day with a large glass of lemon water then keep a full water bottle with you all day so you’re never caught without fluids.
If you’re struggling to drink the recommended 8 glasses per day, try increasing your intake by just one extra glass at first and gradually build from there.
Exercising multiple times each week
Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make us happy! Yes, I am quoting “Legally Blonde.” But Elle Woods makes an excellent point, so listen up!
There’s no need to pound the pavement for hours each day, or lift heavy weights in a gym. Find the exercise that works long term for you. Maybe that’s long walks, yoga, swimming, the list is endless.
Try exercising in the morning, you’ll feel even happier as it will increase your energy levels for the day and you will feel accomplished too!
Eating a Balanced Diet that is high in Fibre
Skip the dieting, seriously. Diet fads are just that: fads. They are temporary and not a lifelong solution.
Instead, commit to healthy eating habits that will benefit you for life, not just one Summer!
If you’re unsure what you should be eating, then consult a nutritionist. Educate yourself on what is best for your body and change your eating habits.
Ensure you include plenty of fibre (and water!) in your day as a healthy gut can lead to a healthier, and inevitably, happier you!
Taking time to be in Nature
Do you love seeing gorgeous beaches or autumnal pictures on social media? Maybe you’re jealous of someone’s holiday they’ve just posted all over Instagram?
Stop scrolling and take a walk instead. Leave your phone behind, or at least in a pocket, and observe the beauty of nature around you.
Enjoy a stroll through a local park, notice the leaves on the trees and if they are changing colour. Listen out for wildlife and appreciate a birdsong. Observe the colours in the sky, maybe it’s a perfect blue, there could be a rainbow or possibly a breathtaking sunset.
Whatever you choose, be fully present and allow nature to fill you with joy.
Practicing self care
We all know this one, but how often do you actually do it? It is vital to practice self care every day.
Self care comes in many forms, it doesn’t always have to be ‘soaking in a candlelit bath’ or ‘ curling up on the sofa with a book’. It is doing ANYTHING that is caring for you!
If you’re strapped for time, you could simply try drinking your morning coffee without being in your phone: it can wait 5 minutes. Or, make a playlist of your favorite tunes to play whilst you shower each morning. Why not enjoy a simple 10 minute meditation as you drift off to sleep at night? (I love the Calm App for this!).
There’s always space in your life to offer yourself self care. Start treating yourself better today and feel happier for it.
Starting a daily Meditation Practice
Not just a self care practice, but an important addition to each day to improve your overall happiness.
Taking time each day to pause can be very beneficial. Whether it’s focusing on your breath, allowing your mind a few minutes of calm or following a guided meditation. Allowing yourself these moments to completely switch off can improve your self awareness and ability to appreciate each day more. In turn, making you feel happier!
Anyone can meditate, simple guidelines are:
– to sit quietly in a comfortable position
– close your eyes
– focus on each inhale and exhale
– when your mind wanders, notice this and return your attention to your breath, over and over again.
Apps are a great place to start for Meditation beginners, as they offer guidance and a reminder to return your focus to your breath.
Spending time with Family and Friends
Some days, I just want to stay in bed and not see anyone. Those are the days that it is ESSENTIAL to check in with family and/ or friends. Whether you see them in person or chat on the phone.
Taking time to connect with others is important for our mental wellbeing. It is crucial we have someone we can vent to and share our feelings with on tough days.
Our family and friends are there to help us laugh and spread joy.
I can pretty much guarantee that if you need a boost of happiness, a day spent with good friends or family will not be something you regret.
Being Kind to People
Pay it forward. I have a friend who bought “The Secret” in a London bookstore and upon opening it, found £10 and a handwritten note wishing the reader well.
Now that’s a very unique way to bring joy to another, but there’s many simpler ways you can spread kindness and in turn increase your happiness.
Why not try smiling at people as you pass them by, holding a door open for a mother with a pram, offer your seat to an elderly person or buy a stranger an anonymous coffee.
There’s many opportunities to show kindness if we just look around. Text a friend to check in if it’s been a while, help someone with directions who looks lost, ask if someone’s ok if they look distressed.
However you choose to be kind to others is irrelevant, it matters that you do it. Not just because it will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but because it’s the right thing to do!
Choosing a Positive Mindset
Which brings us to our last and most important point when it comes to feeling happier everyday.
We need to choose to feel happy.
In our busy world, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and get drawn into negative thinking. Take note of your thoughts, as they ultimately dictate a lot of how you feel.
Notice when negative thoughts intrude and replace them with positive thoughts and gratitude.
Incredibly Happy
I hope that at least one of these happy tips has resonated with you.
If you feel depressed or anxious or have thoughts of self harm, I strongly recommend you seek professional help. There is a lot of support in most countries for people living with mental health. You are not alone and these feelings can pass.
As always, comments and suggestions are welcome below. Have a HAPPY day!
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Love and Light
Lauren
