By Sami Shields of Contemporary VA
If you need some help turning your frown upside down, follow some of these steps and tips to bring happiness among yourself!
1. Create a happiness training routine.
Following a plan can help you prioritize a cheerful outlook on a daily basis. Just like some people need to put extra effort into their workouts and meal plans in order not to gain weight, you need to put extra effort into my mental health. It means there are certain exercises that you do every day to stay ‘happily fit.’ you will either make list of what I am grateful for or think a loving thought about myself or someone else. When you can get these thoughts on paper, even better. Writing strengthens thinking.
2. Connect with someone.
Share time with a buddy to get a mood boost, whether it’s connecting via phone, email, or even better, an in-person get together. Even on your busiest days you will always find time to cook dinner, make a phone call, have lunch and do whatever possible with someone I cherish. The presence of your loved ones around, is non-negotiable to your happiness.
3. Practice BOP in the morning.
Starting your day off with habits that bring your awareness to happiness and gratitude can help you change the tone of the rest of your day. Before you think about anything in the morning, go to the gym and work out to get the blood flowing and endorphins pumping. While your moving my body, focus on the things and be grateful for them in your life and think deeply about them — almost meditate on them. Lastly, think about what you want my focus to be for the day. Not necessarily the things you need to get done, but the type of person you want to be, like a good listener, someone who’s fully engaged and present, or a person who seeks opportunities to be kind to other people.
4. Be of service to others.
Remember how you felt the last time you selflessly helped someone? They were probably extremely grateful and made you feel that your effort was appreciated. There’s no better feeling than giving a gift for a special occasion, but we can choose to extend that service-minded attitude in all aspects of our lives by giving freely of ourselves as much as we can. Ways you can practice this are by letting someone get in front of you in line at the store, giving up a parking space to another, or letting go of ‘your plans’ to help someone through a tough time. No smile has lasted longer than the one that comes from helping another.
5. Say affirmations out loud.
Repeating a positive mantra out loud or in your head can remind you of specific happiness goals or help keep you level-headed when the going gets tough. Tell yourself, ‘Happiness is not dependent on outer situations, circumstances, or people. “Happiness is within me, in the center of my being. I am happy now and always.’ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, say in a clear voice, I am in control. I am the only authority in my life.
What are you currently struggling with? Let us know in the comments below or send a message here.
