Simple Habits that Will Contribute to Your Happiness

It’s quite common in this time and age for a lot of people to experience high levels of stress, pressure and unhappiness. The constant rat race and life on the go push people to their limits and while chasing their dreams and ambitions, happiness often seems out of reach.

One way to snap out of such life is to realise change is necessary and start making baby steps towards small but significant life changes that will improve the quality of your life. There’s usually no need for any drastic measures but you must stay consistent.

The following tips can help you get started on a journey of change that will make you a happier person.

Practice gratitude

Making gratitude a part of your daily routine is a great way to start and end your day with positive vibes. The greatest power of the attitude of gratitude is that it shifts your focus for the negativity in your life and things you feel lacking towards learning how to appreciate the ones you already have.

Start by creating a list of people and things you feel grateful for in your life and make it a habit to read it every day. Once that gratitude sinks in, you’ll open yourself to any other greatness to enter your life and make you happy.

Keep up an active lifestyle

Doing regular exercise and keeping an active lifestyle are best motivators in life. Physical activity of any kind, from mild aerobics, yoga, swimming or walking to more energetic ones like going to the gym, running or playing a sport can be instrumental for not only improving your fitness but raising your endorphin levels which results in an overall feeling of content.

Spend time outside

A part of your active lifestyle should also involve spending time outside. Fresh air, sunlight and nature are the best remedies you can find that will surely boost your energy, mood and overall health. Spending just 10 minutes outdoors can increase your serotonin levels and help you relax and unwind.

If it’s possible, commute to work by bicycle or on foot instead of always driving, or take a daily walk in the park after dinner. Use that time to walk your dog or bring your partner and kids with you so you can go over the best parts of your day.

Reserve some quality time for your partner

Quality time with your significant other may mean many different things but whatever way you see it, make it a habit and make it so you’re away from your kids. A lot of parents in Australia practice vacationing without their kids as soon as they’re old enough to travel with their friends.

For instance, the approaching schoolies 2020 season could be just the right moment to book a trip for your kids and have a well-deserved holiday with your spouse at the destination of your dreams. Let go of any parent guilt and embrace this quality time with your partner during which you can de-stress and revive your relationship.

Indulge yourself

Amid the hustle and bustle of your daily life, it’s easy to lose track of yourself and your needs. It’s important you find the time and make an effort to indulge yourself as well as always doing things for your family.

Taking care of yourself will help you feel more grounded and centred and you’ll be able to slow down a bit more and worry a bit less. Don’t consider this to be a selfish act. Quite opposite, self-care is self-love and a great investment into your well-being.

There are many different ways you can do this – long bubble baths in the evening, walks in nature, spa treatments, coffee dates with your friends or even food delivery service that can occasionally replace you as the designated family chef. All of these and many other ways are just simple things that will give you a break from your hectic routine and help you feel better.

Be mindful

Holding on to your past and reliving your painful memories is the main cause of depression and sadness. Also, obsessing about what the future brings also causes your anxiety to increase. The only way to be truly at peace and feel happy is to learn how to live in the present moment. Once you know how to focus only on what is here and now, you’ll be able to appreciate and enjoy in the little but meaningful things, such as your kids’ laughter, your friends’ jokes, a conversation with your elderly parents or moments of intimacy with your partner.

Slowly over time, these practices can help you adopt healthy habits that will have a positive impact on your life, body and mind and make you a happier person.