“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Happiness.
When you think about it, you may often associate it with the future. The dream vacation, the upcoming promotion, or the new baby on the way. However, happiness can also be found in the small moments of everyday life.
So, take a few minutes today to focus on the present and incorporate one of the following tips to brighten your day:
1. One minute of appreciation.
Take a moment to reflect on what you appreciate and love about your partner, a friend, a family member, or yourself. This practice will fill you with gratitude and shift your focus to the positive aspects of life.
2. Express your appreciation.
Share your thoughts of appreciation with the person you reflected on. Seeing their smile in response will also bring happiness to you as emotions are contagious.
3. Take 5 minutes to help someone out.
Offer practical help, advice, or simply lend a listening ear to someone in need. Your support and kindness can make a significant difference in their day.
4. Slow down for 3 minutes.
Take a few minutes to walk and move slower, appreciating your surroundings with all your senses. By slowing down, you can notice the simple wonders of life that are often overlooked in our fast-paced world.
5. Be the smile you want to see in your world.
Spread positivity by smiling more at others. Your smile can brighten someone else's day and create a ripple effect of happiness.
6. Make someone else happy.
Go beyond just smiling by giving hugs, gifts, or acts of kindness to make someone else happy. The joy you bring to others will also bring joy to you.
7. Start your day with setting a low bar for happiness.
Set a positive tone for your day by appreciating the small things and setting low expectations for happiness. This mindset shift can lead to a more fulfilling and productive day.
8. Be the day you want to see.
Take initiative in creating the day you desire by taking small actions to enhance your happiness. Whether it's planning a movie night or starting your day with a run, you have the power to shape your day.
9. Say yes to something new.
Step out of your comfort zone and explore new experiences, whether it's trying new foods, activities, or media. Embracing novelty can bring excitement and happiness into your life.
10. Say no to a should.
Avoid unnecessary obligations and tasks that drain your energy. By prioritizing what truly matters and saying no to unnecessary shoulds, you can focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
11. Take a 2-minute laugh break.
Laughter is a powerful tool for relieving stress and boosting happiness. Take a short break to engage in activities that make you laugh, such as watching funny videos or listening to comedy.
12. Do what you deep down think is the right thing.
Act in alignment with your values and intuition, making choices that align with your true self. By making conscious decisions that reflect your inner values, you can build self-esteem and satisfaction.
13. Stand still for a minute, close your eyes, and savor the moment.
Take a moment to appreciate the present by immersing yourself in the beauty of the moment. Whether it's enjoying the winter sun or simply being still, this practice can cultivate mindfulness and gratitude.
