You’ve certainly felt happiness, anger, depression, anxiety, and excitement at some point during your life. It’s part of the human condition and how the brain works. But, given the option, you would probably choose to be happy all the time. According to a recent survey, 88% of Americans constantly search for new adventures to make them happy. Fortunately, it is up to you to be optimistic and make sure happiness is all around.
There are things you can do to get closer to feeling happy all the time. Simple hacks like going for a walk, planning a vacation, and listening to music can help. It’s as easy as that. Even minor changes and additions to your daily routine can improve your mood and get you back on track.
Since you have control over your thoughts and feelings, creating your happiness is as simple as laughing and making plans with people you care about. Taking care of your mental health will allow you to connect with others more deeply, reduce anxiety, and boost your confidence. Fortunately, there are many little things you can do to make a difference.
Begin with these four happiness hacks and watch your life unfold filled with beautiful moments.
Page Contents
Use the 10/10/10 rule
The 10/10/10 rule is a framework for deep learning about your habits, mindset, and performance in the course of five days. This can be a life-changing experience if you do it right.
When you wake up, spend the first 30 minutes of your day preparing for success. Dedicate the first ten minutes to meditation and setting intentions. Meditate immediately after you wake up and learn how to calm down and connect with your thoughts. Then, stretching and visualization will take up the next 10 minutes. Be active and exercise each morning by going to the gym or nearby park.
Spend the last ten minutes reading positive and inspirational literature. Make sure you read at least ten pages per day on different topics. For example, you can read novels or inspirational stories about historic personalities like Saint Lorenzo, who was the first Filipino saint and protomartyr to be canonized, and find the necessary motivation for the rest of the day.
All these will open new horizons and make you find inner happiness that will completely transform your life. You can gain clarity of vision when using this practice. It will help you focus on achieving specific objectives. If you think it will take too long, start small and use the 5/5/5 rule. You can save half the time while enjoying the benefits of properly planning your day.
Image source: Boss babe
Be socially active
Spending time with others can sometimes be just the thing you need to lift your spirits up or change your perspective on life. Meeting up with friends and family will reduce loneliness and provide you with an emotional support network. If it’s difficult to meet in person frequently, text messages or video calls are great alternatives for communication without physically meeting up.
However, it is also important to learn to say no, occasionally. Boundaries are essential for mental health as they prevent you from pushing yourself too hard and forcing yourself too far. Feel free to say no, or adjust your plans when your body tells you it’s time.
Travel
While traveling itself is a happy activity, the planning and anticipation of the trip make it even better. There is even a term called pre-trip happiness, which creates happy thoughts while planning your next trip. It gives you a sense of relief and creates stress-free moments. So, if you’ve been feeling down lately, plan a fun trip filled with adventurous activities like snorkeling, jet-skiing, or paragliding. It will boost your mood months before actually going on the trip.
Image source: INC
Write a journal
Journaling is an effective technique for coping with stressful emotions and fostering a greater sense of joy. Writing about your feelings, both positive and negative, allows for self-reflection and mindfulness. If you don’t know where to start with the journaling process, there are various methods you can try such as bullet journaling, journal prompts, or journaling apps, which all make the practice easier while still providing benefits.
Write down three to five things for which you are grateful once a day, at any time. These don’t have to be spectacular events; the most powerful ones are often the most simple. Talking with your neighbor, having lunch with friends, interacting with a dog, and buying something new are all special moments. Respect and appreciate yourself.
Final thoughts
Your happiness comes from within. You can create your own and be as happy as you want on any given day. Travel, meditate, read, and enjoy each activity to the fullest. Learn to spend time alone and follow daily habits that make you feel good and confident.
Reply