Maybe you've been constantly wondering why it is you aren't as happy as other people appear to be. Maybe you just want to increase your level of happiness in life? Here are eight ways you can begin to change that.
1. More Sleep. Routine Exercise. Eat Right.
As much as you may try to fight against these things, there is no denying that a healthy body and a less foggy brain can do wonders towards how you feel when you wake up in the morning down to when you lay your head down at night. Too many people aren't doing one of these things enough, let alone all three. They're constantly tired, grumpy, out of shape, and without energy to do the things they need to do. If that's you, your lack of happiness may not be whatever you've been blaming it all on, but rather you constantly ignoring your need for these things. There is a reason you don't hear people saying, you know, I feel great with 2 hours sleep, and eating junk food for weeks on end, and getting that pudge around the middle.
2. Make an effort to have more fun
Kids aren't the only people who need more fun in their lives. So do you. As an adult, it's true, it can be harder to find the time, but if something is important to you, guess what, you'll make time! Get out of your rut. Try something new. Don't be afraid to being ridiculous. It doesn't have to be a year long commitment, but try something say once a month that you've always wanted to. Have an adventure, however it is you define that, but get out of any mundane routine ruts you've developed and make an effort to have more fun.
3. Leave him/her/it and move on
If all you ever vent your anger and stress about, is this friend, or that significant other, or this or that place or job...wake up. You should have peace in your life. If something or someone is not giving that to you, it is time to move on. I can already hear the excuses...but it's not that easy. Of course it's not, but you have two options: stay miserable in your situation or come up with a plan and execute it as to how you are going to get off your butt and start making changes in your life so you can move on. Do you want to stay miserable or do you want to have peace in your life?
4. Tackle your mental health
Sometimes your lack of happiness isn't just surface things you can easily change if you just try a bit more. For a lot of people, they are dealing with much deeper issues that a hug and some Netflix won't cure. If this is you, go seek out professional help. Sometimes we are holding ourselves back being trapped in our own heads and constantly trying to keep it together, but if your methods aren't working, it may be time for professional intervention.
5. Accept compliments
We are our own worst critics. It is hard for so many of us to actually hear any good because we are so focused on the bad, but you've got to tell yourself that its okay to accept a compliment and not have to put yourself down right after it. Not every single person is just "flattering you." A lot of people genuinely mean what they say when they say it. Have more self-love for yourself and try your best to drown out the negative voices in your head or the negative words being said. Remember, often times when people are so overly critical or harsh towards you, they're dealing with their own issues and tend to take it out on others.
6. Let it go, let it go
Ten years ago, your best friend borrowed your car, dented it and blamed you for it, and you had to pay for the damages. We know, it sucks, she sucks, but it's ten years later, it's time to let it go. That's a silly example, but grudges often are based on simple things that the people involved then turn into so much drama and ongoing sagas. Here's a tip: you f--k up. Everyone f--ks up. Holding on to grudges only serves to bring you down and make you petty and spiteful. Wo/man up and become the adult that deals with their issues and problems like an adult so you can move on and lift that chip off your shoulder.
7. Your life is not a race
So and so graduated from college at 18. Good for them. So and so was Miss USA. Good for her. So and so got married right out of college and now has two beautiful children, and you don't. Okay, and? You can only live your own life. If you are too busy worried about what others are doing, you're not worried about what you could be doing and your own potential. Turn off the 24/7 Facebook updates on how "great" all your friends and families lives are. Please realize that everyone only ever puts their best moments there, and it isn't a full picture of how people's lives really are going, so it's best not to stay there and focus on it, if you cannot just be happy for others. Put your time an energy into yourself and achieving your own goals.
8. Don't depend on anyone else for YOUR happiness
You know what other people are? They are disappointing...as are you from time to time. When you depend on your girlfriend, or your kid, or your boss, or your best friend, or whomever to make you happy, what happens when they stop, or they leave, or they don't love you the way you feel you should be loved, or they grow up and move on to their own lives? Who's going to make you happy then? Other people will never completely make you happy because they are doing their own thing on their own time. Tune all that out and focus on the things you need for yourself to be happy.
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