This post contains cheese. If you have a dairy allergy – avoid avoid avoid (totally kidding).
We as humans are meant to be happy. It affects our health and our longevity. It even greatly improves our productivity.
Is life often challenging? Yup. Sometimes difficult? Yes. Disappointing and frustrating? Inevitably. Can we still be happy? Heck yes.
It’s understandable when we forget to notice and maintain our own happiness levels, especially with the number of stressors that keep coming our way. But stress doesn’t have to determine our levels of happiness.
As someone always says somewhere, the first step is being aware. The next steps involve squeezing happiness into our lives, wherever and however we can (short of anything illegal).
During truly difficult times, our other emotions are fitting and well and truly required. Outside of these times, we can maintain our happiness, regardless of what life throws our way.
In the words of Forest Gump; ‘Larf is lark a bowx of chowlettes. You neverrr know wowt you’re gown’ git.’
No matter what we do ‘git,’ or face, we have one precious life to make the most of.
If you were to rate your current level of happiness from 1 to 10, what would it be? If it’s not at 10, what would it take to get it there, or at least raise that number?
How can we look past an often subconscious view that life is something to be endured and not fully enjoyed?
Even while circumstances are less than ideal?
Sometimes I think we need reminders such as the following;
- Life is so damn short and we only get one shot at it. ‘Nuff said.
- If we’re lucky enough to reach a ripe old age, we’re unlikely to look back and say we were glad we did all that worrying, and putting off being happy for some ‘better time.’
- We set the example for our children (and others). They’re affected by, and share in our happiness too.
- Don’t wait for moments and experiences to happen – Create them. If we’re out there experiencing life and filling it with memories, we need to keep at it, enjoying every moment we can. None of us know how much of this we’ll have.
- If we’re struggling to enjoy things in the ways we’d like, it can help to do those things anyway. Keep at them until we’re enjoying them, and no longer thinking. Sometimes this can be a choice – enjoy/experience, or analyse (this is not to invalidate depression or other genuine struggles).
- Create a bucket list, and take steps to make those things happen. Include your loved ones. You’re unlikely to regret this, even if it means creating a bucket list to fit your budget.
- Look for the amusing and brighter sides of life. This can get you through many situations, with a giggle to boot. Humour can play a big part in finding your happy groove.
- Give less time to the sources of stress; The news, social media and certain people. Spend more time in the outdoors instead, or doing what you love to do.
If you need a quick pick-me-up for those tricky days (and we all have them);
- Watch a comedy, or other movie you love.
- Listen to a comedian you find funny.
- Read an inspiring book.
- Crank up the music (without making enemies of your neighbours – maybe the car is the way to go), and sing your guts out. This can be a very effective stress release. Even your shower won’t kick you out if you yodel in there.
- Hang with a friend. Talk, laugh, watch a movie, play a silly game. Anything to forget about things for a while, then carry that calm into other areas of life.
- Yoga, meditation and similar have marvelous benefits for the body and by association – the mind, and happiness levels. Mindfulness techniques can help bring us back to the moment and outside of the thoughts that often stop us from being happy.
We all deserve to be happy. How do you find yours? How do you persist when happiness eludes you? What is it you’ve always wanted to do?
When it comes to our everyday habitual thoughts; Let’s ditch the crappy and focus on the happy (I warned you there’d be cheese).
If you’d like a listening ear from someone who’s passionate about helping you find and maintain your happiness, feel free to book a session with me here https://velvetcouch.com.au/bookings/
With love,
Melody