Building Happiness Into Your Routine
Happiness doesn't often just “ happen”. For most people happiness is something that needs to be actively cultivated and that is normal. There are a lot of things that you can do to invite happiness into your life by incorporating them into your daily life.
We would encourage you to take a look at these life-style elements and the straight forward ways in which you can begin to develop them over time.
Gratitude: It’s important to take time to appreciate little things. Think things like birthday cake, rainstorms, calls from grandma. Although there are many major milestone moments we can appreciate smaller experiences. Pay special attention to the things happening around you, make a conscious effort – keep a gratitude journal & write about who and what you appreciate – this can train your brain to focus on the positive in your day-to-day experiences.
Social Connections: Developing meaningful bonds with others is critical for happiness. Although the pandemic may prove this part difficult, with today's technology we now have the ability to call and video chat at the push of a button Even in the more introverted of people, human encounters elicit more happiness.
Sleep: We are more emotionally reactive to negative stimuli when we are sleep deprived. When we get enough sleep, we are able to react more rationally and process our feelings more effectively. Assess your rest – Can you fall asleep at 10 or 11am? Can you function without caffeine before noon? If you answered no, try regulating your sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day... even weekends!
Movement: Changing your posture, breathing, and rhythm can all change your brain, thereby reducing stress, depression, and anxiety, and leading to a feeling of well-being. Scheduling a few 20 minute movement sessions a week can drastically reduce stress and increase happiness.
Self-love and Acceptance: As harsh as it may sound, you will never be at peace with yourself without self-love and acceptance. It doesn’t happen overnight but over time it will come to you if you practice. You might consider a self-love mantra to repeat in the mornings or before bed.
Happiness is something you can work cultivating no matter what stage you are in life, and the sooner you start, the sooner you get to experience it.
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