Many people contemplate what it means to be happy. And, happiness has a different meaning to everyone. While we all define happiness differently, as humans we share in this unique experience called life. We’re all embarking on our own journey – this life journey, where we’re searching for happiness and meaning. These 7 keys to happiness represent actions that will improve your life and make you a better person.
Keep in mind that happiness isn’t something you achieve. You’re not going to wake up one day and say, “I’m happy now forever.” It doesn’t work that way. Happiness is the result of your conscious efforts to be a better person, build a better future and grow as an individual.
The 7 Keys to Happiness:
1. Give Back
Be nice! Giving back and genuinely caring about other people is essential to happiness. Helping others promotes greater satisfaction in life and is a mood booster. Being kind and compassionate adds meaning to our human existence.
2. Build Relationships
Be a lover, not a hater. Lonely people are not happy. Relationships and connections with other people make us happy. We are social creatures, not meant to be hermits. Being happy means building healthy, loving relationships with others.
3. Take Care of Your Body
Your body is a temple! Being healthy is a component of being happy. Get enough sleep, sun (with spf of course) and physical activity. Your body and mind will thank you!
4. Set Goals
You can do it! Make plans and set goals. Working toward something and having something to look forward to are essential elements of happiness. You need to feel a sense of accomplishment every now and then. Working toward realistic goals can provide a sense of direction and hope for the future.
5. Be Positive
No more negative Nancy. Turn that frown upside down. Negative thoughts serve no purpose. They don’t help any situation and only make things worse. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts, no matter how difficult it may seem. Being positive about any given situation will improve its outcome.
6. Accept You
You are your worst critic. Stop being mean to yourself! Accept who you are, what you have done and what you are capable of. Stop criticizing yourself and start believing in you. Once you believe in yourself, the sky really is the limit.
7. Give Thanks
Take the time to be grateful and give thanks every single day. When you take the time to stop and think about it, you have a ton of things to be grateful for; you’re alive and you have access to a computer to read this post (just for starters). Really though, count your blessings – your mood will immediately improve once you do.
Happiness is a state of being, not something that you will suddenly achieve. Take time out of your day to work on a few of these things. Happy people don’t just happen – they make a conscious decision to be happy.
