At times like these, taking one day at a time is often a smart move.
But there are other benefits to be had from this more intentional approach...
When you focus on winning the day, you also get a chance to reflect.
In turn, you can get clearer on what you really want, which is a powerful way to create more happiness.
If you want to feel happier today, these five super simple practices and tips are here to help you.
Check them out!
1. Practice gratitude
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – Zig Ziglar
Gratitude is one of the quickest and easiest ways to elevate your happiness levels. All you need to do is focus on something that you’re grateful for and notice how it makes you feel.
When you focus on gratitude, it’s hard to be frustrated or annoyed. What’s more, switching on positive emotions through gratitude inspires you to see the world through more abundant eyes.
Gratitude makes you feel happy whether you’re feeling thankful for something small like a delicious cup of coffee - or something big such as incredible health.
And if you need some more ideas of what you can be grateful for, you’ll discover 101 in this downloadable PDF.
2. Do a Random Act Of Kindness [RAOK]
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
Being of service to others is a powerful, but simple way to feel good.
From taking care of a chore you know a loved one is pushing off, to buying a drink for the person behind you in the line, these RAOK spread a little happiness.
And it’s not the recipient alone who benefits!
A RAOK will also elevate your happiness thanks to a phenomenon known as the ‘Helper’s High’ whereby your body releases feel-good chemicals.
Discover more about ‘paying it forward’ through random acts of kindness in this Courage Over Comfort podcast.
3. Say some positive affirmations
Science has found that repeating positive statements can help you feel more uplifted and optimistic about yourself and life!
This reminds me of the famous quote from Henry Ford who said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right!”
In other words, your thoughts help shape your reality by influencing what you do and therefore, how you feel.
If you’re able to cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life, not only will you see the world through a lens of possibility, but you’ll feel happier too.
4. Practice mindfulness
We spend a lot of time doing stuff. Whether that’s checking through chores, ticking off work-related tasks, or fixing things around the home.
When you’re engaged in lots of activity, it’s harder to find the calm within.
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help you slow down and connect with the stillness that always exists inside of you. Mindfulness can help you be your best! Through mindfulness, you can calm an over-active mind, settle stress, and feel fully centered in the present moment.
Eckhart Tolle said “All you really need to do is accept this moment fully. You are then at ease in the here and now and at ease with yourself.”
Even 10 mins of quiet calm can help elevate your emotions and guide you to feel more present in the here and now. If you’re ready to explore this powerful practice for yourself, take the free Mindfulness Challenge and unlock 31-days of bite-sized audio meditations.
5. Spend time in nature
"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." – Henry David Thoreau
Nature is a powerful healer.
Whether you take a walk along the beach, in the forest, up a mountain, or around the lake, immersing yourself in some fresh air and a natural soundtrack is a powerful way to feel good - for a number of reasons.
Firstly, exercise releases endorphins, which makes us feel better.
Nature is also grounding, which helps us to feel more present in the moment. Nature also shows us that there is a sense of certainty amidst all the chaos [look how chaotically perfect nature can be!] Finally, being in nature is a beautiful reminder that we are all part of something so much bigger than ourselves. This perspective contains a lot of freedom.
When living in a world of chaos, confusion, and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose our footing and feel worried about the future.
Fortunately, there’s always a way to come back to ourselves and feel good within.
Jim Rohn said that “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice”.
By taking some time to infuse our day with practices and experiences that unlock joy, we can feel better about ourselves and our lives - no matter what is going on around us.
Which of these tips will you try today?
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