Your mood can shift countless times over the course of a day because moods are just an immediate response to a fleeting situation. However, happiness — an overall satisfaction in life — is something that remains steady over time and adds significant joy and value to your days.
The connection between happiness and wellness
Happiness is a great cycle to get stuck in! People who are happy in life experience benefits that tend to lead to more happiness. Many happy people experience improved physical health and stronger immune function, and some may even live longer. Happy people can often handle challenges better than unhappy people and bounce back more quickly from setbacks. Happiness is also connected to better relationships, improved mental functioning and increased productivity.
Habits that increase happiness
We all strive for happiness, so it’s no surprise that plenty of research has been done to help us figure out how to be happier.
The PERMA Model — created by Dr. Martin Seligman, a leading researcher in the field of Positive Psychology — provides a solid recipe for happiness.
Positive emotion: feelings of pleasure and joy
Engagement: being present in the moment
Relationships: having positive, supportive relationships
Meaning: serving a purpose
Accomplishment: working toward personal goals
Daily happiness habits
Ready to live your most joyous life? We’ve got some tips that are sure to improve your happiness and wellbeing.
- Choose your thoughts.
It’s powerful when you realize that our thoughts, feelings and actions make up the majority of our existence. While we may not control all our circumstances, we do control our thoughts and behaviors. Simply changing our perspectives, thoughts or reactions to a situation can be a game changer.
- Savor the moment.
In our fast-paced world, we are often distracted. It’s rare to give something or someone our complete attention. Whether you’re having a conversation, performing a task or simply listening to the birds, try putting everything else aside and take in that moment.
- Build strong relationships, including with yourself.
Loneliness takes a heavy toll on feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Take time to connect and nurture relationships. Don’t forget, your relationship with yourself counts, too. Watch how you talk to yourself, and treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
- Take care of your body.
A healthy body is a happy body! Exercise, healthy foods and good sleep are three guaranteed ways to help your body feel its best.
- Accept your feelings — all of them.
Being a happy person does not mean you never have unhappy feelings. Experiencing a range of emotions is what makes us human. If you’re feeling down, angry or anxious, it’s important to allow yourself to feel those emotions. Often, if you just notice negative emotions, without trying to get rid of them, they’ll start to fade all on their own.
- Set aside time for fun.
Never underestimate the power of fun. Treat yourself to new experiences and enjoy a good laugh.
- Find meaning.
Different people find meaning in different things. What feels deeply rewarding to you? Is it connecting with your spirituality? Is it helping to serve others? Is it taking in the beauty of nature? What is it that gives you a sense of deep connectedness?
- Strive for something.
Set personal goals and work toward them. But remember to aim for progress, not perfection.
- Practice gratitude.
Paying attention to all that you have and are grateful for can help you keep things in perspective. Focusing on gratitude can reduce depression and increase happiness. Here’s how to get started.
- Go outside.
Studies show that spending time in nature improves brain function and lowers mental distress. Being in nature is associated with increased happiness, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose. Taking your exercise outdoors to get an extra boost.
- Step away from the screens.
Excessive screen time can negatively impact our physical and mental health. It’s been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, reduced focus and poorer quality of sleep. While small doses of social media can give you a sense connection, overdoing it can have the reverse effect. After all, watching life on a screen is not the same as going out and living it. So, now is the perfect time for a digital detox.