Happy times: tips to find happiness
What is happiness?
If we ask this question to ten people, we get ten different answers because happiness has a unique meaning for each of us.
For some, it has to do with external circumstances such as work, a relationship situation, or being able to afford a vacation. Others link the concept of happiness to material things such as having a nice car, an expensive watch, or other items.
Many identify happiness with achieving an important goal without too much effort.
Being happy for others is instead an innate attitude, a concept related more to personal satisfaction than to be constantly happy.
Transient happiness
As anticipated, there are very different definitions of happiness, and not all the things listed make us happy in the same way. Often we are not aware of it, but above all material objects make us happy only for a very short period of time.
Think about the last time you went shopping on sprees or when you bought yourself a nice car. Maybe you remember exactly what you felt.
You were certainly happy at that moment. And even if you have felt a lot of joy other times after, watching your new achievements, this feeling has gotten weaker with time.
The perception of happiness disappears faster and faster and you have no choice but to buy something again. Fortunately, there are also ways to be happy without spending too much money and we have summarized them here.
Make time for yourself
You work from 9 to 18, go to the gym, run to the grocery store, have dinner on the go and maybe go out for a drink with your friends again.
Perhaps this is a bit excessive, but we often tend to want to overdo it, both at work and in private life, and we find ourselves experiencing constant stressful situations that make us unhappy.
The solution: Carve out moments that are yours alone, in which you do not plan anything other than taking care of yourself. Turn off your smartphone, computer, and television. Open a good book or just relax.
Train gratitude
Gratitude is a feeling we tend to forget. Do you often take things around you for granted? Everything you own, your family, your friends, access to education, the ability to have hobbies?
They are not. Learn to appreciate what you have because the world is full of people who would trade with you with their eyes closed.
Train your mindfulness
Mindfulness translates with awareness and is the ability to perceive the present moment with full awareness. Like gratitude, this is also a feeling that we must learn to value more.
Due to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to enjoy the present moment and always think about what we should do next. Mindfulness exercises bring our attention back to the now, to what is happening around us.
Our tip: go for a walk in the park and focus on the noises you hear: listen to the birdsong, the wind in the trees, and the rustle of the leaves.
Make time for your friends
Man is a social animal. Ok, some more others less, but it is undeniable that contact with those we love makes us feel good. Don’t forget to nurture relationships with the people you care about.
Our advice: having little free time is not a good excuse to neglect social relationships. Pick up the phone and call a good friend.
Look for new challenges
One of the best ways to be happy is to always face new challenges. In this way, on the one hand, you increase your self-confidence every time, on the other hand, you always have new experiences that enrich you.
Relax regularly
Your body and mind systematically need to relax: after a stressful week, after a demanding workout, etc … so when you take some time for yourself, remember to take a few minutes to relax.
Our tip: We have put together 16 relaxation techniques for you.
Meditate
Meditating is a perfect activity to increase your happiness because you can combine several of the tips mentioned: you take time for yourself, you learn to relax faster, and pay attention to the present moment. However, many people find meditation difficult at first. If you are a beginner, do not miss our article.
Let go of the past
Do you often think about bad experiences you have had in the past? As long as you can’t let them go, it will be difficult to find happiness. It is important to accept what happened because there is nothing you can do now to change things.
Instead, what is in your power at any time in your life is to change the way you deal with the situation. Try to look at things from a different angle and choose a perspective that allows you to make peace with the past.
Find the sport that suits you
Exercise is important not only for overall health but also for being happy. Taking a regular walk in the fresh air has a positive effect on our mood and as soon as you start exercising this feeling intensifies further.
You think you’re not athletic so you don’t even try? Apologies! Each of us can play a sport, you don’t have to go to the gym 3 times a week or go for a marathon to experience the benefits of physical activity.
Practice a sport that suits you, that you enjoy and that encourages you to move. Of course, you can’t find it overnight, you have to try several first. Get to work!
Look for an artistic activity with which to express your creativity
We don’t mean that you have to learn to play an instrument or to paint, but we recommend that you find a hobby to practice in your spare time, which can be musical, artistic or manual activity. The important thing is that you like it and that it makes you forget the stress of everyday life.
Find a job that suits you
If you work full time, you spend more than a third of your day in the office. One of the best ways to be happier is to do a job that not only earns you a good salary but also gives you personal satisfaction.
Inevitably, you will have stressful days but the point is to find a job that satisfies you and a work environment in which you feel comfortable.
Eat balanced without too many restrictions
Nutrition also affects your happiness, think for example of the feeling you get when you eat your favorite dish. But food does so much more. Through a healthy and balanced diet, our body receives all the nutrients it needs.
