Look at a glass as half full. Money can’t buy happiness. Happiness is a choice. How many “happiness” sayings do you come across on a weekly basis? Happiness, when achieved, can fill up your love cup, make you feel so confident, and can give you that extra pep in your step. With everyday stresses—whether it be your job, family life, friends—happiness can seem hard to obtain let alone maintain.
But, don’t fret. Happiness is not all about money. Instead, it’s about the people around us, the way we live our lives, the experiences we encounter, and how we look at ourselves. What makes us feel good? What makes us feel loved? What gives us the extra boost of confidence?
Look around you and look within and you’re bound to take a step back, take it all in, and find simple ways to live a happier life.
5 Simple Ways to Live a Happier Life
1.) Be Present
With social media, computers, phones, televisions … our lives are bombarded with technology. We’re often found trying to find the perfect way to capture the moment and present it in a way that uses the best Instagram filter. Yes, I’m all about photography. I also love being connected. However, I also love being unplugged. When I’m unplugged, I can pay full attention and enjoy the present. I can play with my son without being distracted by the dinging of my email notification. I can spend time with my husband and not worry about how many likes something is getting on Facebook. Yes, social media, and technology, have a purpose. But, it’s important to unplug and be present. The world is passing by in a blink of an eye. So, set down your technology, be present, and take it all in … if only for a little bit.
2.) Practice Gratitude
What are you grateful for? Your family? House? Friends? Kids? Pets? Skills? It’s important to practice gratitude throughout your life. Take a step back and practice gratitude in your life, even if it’s a simple meal, a smile, a great cup of coffee, a noise your child made, a hug from your spouse. We need to appreciate life and all of its ups, downs, and uniqueness.
3.) Surround Yourself with Support
We are all in this journey together. Find a support system. Whether it be your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, mother, father, cousin … or all of the above. Or, join a local club and hang out with people who share similar interests. Be sure to create strong bonds throughout life. Surround yourself with support and don’t forget to be a strong support to others in your life.
4.) Have a Hobby
The benefits of having a hobby are endless. From allowing yourself to take a break to getting creative to welcoming a challenge, hobbies provide your mind, body, and soul with so many rewards. To read more about the importance of having a hobby, be sure to check out this post.
5.) Give Yourself Me Time
That’s right. You need a breather. Go outside for just a minute and get some fresh air. Turn on music and sip on your favorite cup of coffee. Open up a book and read a few pages. With this always-on-the-go lifestyle that we lead, we are all busy. We are all running on fumes most days. We are all going, going, going. We need to fuel ourselves, if only for a few minutes a week. So, even though it might sound impossible, try to squeeze in some me time. Check out this post to learn about simple ways to find me time.
What brings you happiness in your life?
Photo via Unsplash.
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