Finding Happiness in Everyday Life
It’s human nature to pursue positive emotions such as excitement, love and joy. Being “happy” is different for every individual, but you can create happiness by cultivating a fulfilling lifestyle that balances important goals, work and fun.
Here are a few things you can do to help you find happiness in everyday life.
Practice gratitude. Studies show that being grateful for what you have can positively impact your emotions. One Harvard study stated that gratitude can help you relish good experiences, improve your overall health and cope with adversity, among other things. Try naming three things you are grateful for every morning or write them in a journal to keep them on your mind throughout the day.
Give to others. When you freely give to others, it creates a sense of belonging and can improve your overall outlook on life. Giving doesn’t have to mean money, either. Try donating items you can spare, volunteering your time or helping a loved one with tasks.
Set goals. When you give yourself something to strive for every day, you will feel happy as you accomplish even small tasks, like making your bed. Consider setting goals for things that will positively affect your life, such as spending more time with family or taking up a new hobby.
Build relationships. Your relationships play a significant role in your everyday happiness. Who you surround yourself with impacts how you view the world, what you spend your time doing and what you think about. If you notice some people in your life tend to bring you down, discuss it or consider setting boundaries to limit the amount of time spent with them. Take steps to add relationships to your life that are uplifting and encouraging.
Engage in your community. Studies show that getting involved and participating in your neighborhood or town improves feelings of happiness because it encourages a sense of belonging and gives meaning. For example, research shows people who are active in religious congregations tend to lead happier lives due to their shared sense of purpose, regular group activities and community. If you are not religious, consider finding engaging activities such as volunteering at a local organization, school or charity.
Ultimately, by incorporating small, meaningful changes into your daily routine, you can create a lifestyle that nurtures your happiness and wellbeing.
Sources: Mental Health Foundation, Harvard Health Publishing and Pew Research Center
