How to Create Happiness!

A little inspiration on how to create happiness - in celebration of International Day of Happiness! 🙂

Let's be honest, no one can be 'happy' all the time. Watching television ads or seeing social media can give you the idea that you can be happy all the time. Being human means that it is in our nature to experience all the range of emotions.

Life can (and does) throw all sorts of hurdles and challenges our way but in the midst of all the struggles, life can also give lots of little things that remind you that everything will be ok. For me, those little things are spending time with my family, soaking in a bubble bath at the end of a long busy day, walking on the beach, and bringing a smile to someone else's face. These things don't need to cost a lot of money or have a particular label for them to bring me happiness.

But what really is happiness and how do you aim for it?

A friend asked me the other day, 'what is it that you do to keep being happy when things are difficult'. I had to think at first and then realised that it is really five things that can make a dreary day turn into a peaceful and happy one. I think the idea that happiness is in our own hands and that it is your attitude or perspective is what can really make all the difference.

Now, this is not a perfect list that covers all areas but the ones that are useful for when you are having one of those days....and need a little lift ...to be your best self!

How to create happiness!

Appreciating the little things

Yes, it is as simple as realising that the little things are what mostly make up your day and then truly appreciating them. Finding the positives....sometimes they are obvious and easy (...you know when you're in the right frame of mind ) and others times you may need to look a little harder ...but they are there! When you are running late but somehow manage to get every green light, you really want Stroganoff for tea and go to the fridge and have you have all the ingredients, someone close to you gives you a smile that makes you smile or even the sunshine after a few days of clouds and rain.

Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder to change your perspective - maybe having some inspirational quotes on the wall, keeping a notebook of those little reminders to give you a lift or even write a list of all the things to do that are close to your true self, that make you smile....listening to music, going for a walk, having a good laugh or reading a good book.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Every single person has come from a different walk of life...different experiences, different childhood, and points of view. I think in this day and age, one way to not build happiness and lose your positivity,  is to constantly compare yourself to someone else.  

Everyone has areas that they are great in and areas that may need some work... everyone! No one is perfect in all areas...that is the best part of life...to still learn.  Comparing yourself to someone else's journey and experience is a way to put unrealistic expectations on yourself. Accepting yourself and others and that we are all different is one step to creating happiness.

Hang Around Positive People

I am sure everyone has experienced coming away from a person, after having a conversation and feeling drained and then spend the rest of the day feeling negative...but not sure why.

There will always be negative people (sometimes that is just the point in their life or the experiences that have brought them to be this way) but making the conscious choice for their mood or headset not to affect your day, is the way to create happiness. Respecting and understanding that they are where they are in their life but that doesn't mean you need to spend all your time with them.

Spend time with people who are positive or are trying to seek positivity and the 'effect' becomes catchy. It really makes a big difference!

Being Grateful

Ok... let's be straightforward....there is always something to be grateful for ...even if it is tiny! Find the things in your life that makes you feel good and be grateful for them. Recognise them and be grateful.

Being grateful gives you a perspective that you have something 'worthy' which in turn allows your brain to produce 'happy' chemicals and gives you the feeling of happiness.  Of course, there is a lot of science behind this but basically, if you are grateful and notice the 'wonderful' you are more likely to be thankful and on the road to happiness.

Be kind to yourself!

Sometimes you can be stuck in a rut. For me it is when life is so busy, working full time, raising a family, tending to the house, meeting the needs of everyone, and then collapsing in a heap at the end of the day (usually flaked out in front of the T.V.)  The tip is to make sure you take the time out for yourself. Being kind to yourself means giving yourself the time to recharge, regroup and refocus.

When you are busy it is hard to find the time...but if you find the simple things that help you to relax and use them for when you need 'me' time then it will only benefit your life. For some people it might be having a 20-minute nap, for others, it may be taking a day off from work just to catch up on all those chores, for others it might be going for a walk in nature or even just laughing with some friends. Whatever it is, it is about looking after yourself ...being kind to your body and mind to create a happier person.

So, after writing this, I had a look back and thought these tips are not really new or 'trendy' or anything spectacular .....but they are a reminder or inspiration of what are the steps to making the difference...and creating happiness!

How to create happiness...think happy, be happy! 

Disclaimer... I am not an expert in this field but someone who is speaking from experience and research.  If you do struggle with finding happiness in your life, there are qualified counselors and medical professionals in your local area that can help you.

🙂

#InternationalDayofHappiness