BE HAPPY: 5 Practical Habits to Help You Enjoy Life More
But for real, who couldn’t use a little more “happy” in their life?
I know you’re weary from the weight of life’s circumstances. It’s been some heavy stuff to carry.
Yet, there is only one thing keeping you from experiencing real joy.
Are you ready for this? (WARNING: Hippo hide required)
It’s you, sister.
Regardless of a pandemic, your budget, your children’s method of learning, who is President, etc., you are the only thing keeping you from enjoying life.
Here’s the deal. There are four elements in this crazy thing we call life that have the ability to steal your happiness and rob your joy – circumstances, people, things, and worry.
We all want to be happy and live in a space where we can enjoy life. However, it’s easier said than done, especially when we are in a place that challenges our mental strength and emotional stability. Hellllooooo 2020.
This year has been ripe for the pickin’ among three of the happy bandits – circumstances, people, and worry. I’m certain I don’t need to elaborate on the “crime scenes” these felons have left behind.
That fourth one, though… material things. He’s a sneaky one. Dressed all dapper and pleasing to the eye, making it hard not to convince ourselves that life would be better if we only had (you fill in the blank).
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking money, stuff, and a luxurious lifestyle will lead to happiness. It’s the American way, baby.
But would you believe that research actually shows it’s the simple experiences of life that create sustained happiness and a life you can truly enjoy?
Since we could all use a shift in our stinkin’ thinkin’, I want to share some practical habits that will boost your happiness and help you enjoy life more… I guaran-happy-tee ya’!
Practice daily gratitude on purpose.
Expressing gratitude will do more than improve your mood. Writing down just three things (don’t overlook the simple things, sister) you are grateful for every day can affect your health, energy level, and sleep in a positive way. Heck, when we live in a place of gratitude, we are just better human beings.
Extend grace and forgiveness to yourself.
Accept your mistakes and be willing to learn from them. Extend grace to yourself for who you were in that moment so you can move forward in doing what you want to do and becoming who you want to be.
Take care of yourself.
Fuel your body with good food choices, don’t just feed your emotions. Get plenty of rest and exercise. These two go hand in hand. When you get enough rest, there is a greater chance you will have the energy to exercise. The same “happy hormone” (serotonin) that is released when you laugh and smile is also released when you exercise. So, give me twenty… and be happy.
Help someone else.
Nothing feels better than knowing you have helped someone. Instead of offering an opinion about how someone is handing or not handling their circumstances, humble yourself and offer to help. Show up big for the people around you.
Choose your tribe carefully.
Establish a network of people who will stand in your corner and have your best interest at heart. These are the people who show up unconditionally. They want the best for you and you want the best for them. Nurture these relationships.
Sister, this is not rocket science. It’s actually a very simple process that will reap dividends of joy for you and those you love. But you’ve got to live this way on purpose. Will you give it a try?
If these tips resonated with you, I have so much more to share with you, sweet friend. Come check out my book, The Sweet Spot, where I will teach you everything you need to know about enjoying life more.
I’ll see you there.
