H is for Happiness

On 20^th March is the International Day of Happiness, and this year’s theme is ‘Be Mindful. Be Grateful. BeKind’. The idea is that if you tune into your feelings, look for the good in your life and share kindness; this can help make things better day by day.

What is happiness?

Happiness is an emotional state of well-being characterised by positive emotions, contentment, and life satisfaction. It is a subjective experience that can vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, upbringing, environment, life events, and personal choices. Happiness is often associated with positive feelings such as joy, pleasure, and fulfilment.

How are you feeling today? Are you feeling happy?

Sit and take a moment to think of what makes you happy. It could be meeting up with a friend for a coffee, having a nice long soak in the bath or going on a walk to be at one with nature. It could be doing something you are good at, like cooking and making yourself your favourite meal.

So, what can I do to be a happier person?

There are many approaches to achieving happiness; as we are all different, what makes one person happy may not work for another.

So, here are some strategies that may help you increase your overall sense of happiness:

Cultivate positive relationships:
Spend time with supportive and positive people, and work to build and maintain strong connections with friends, family, and loved ones. Make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you up rather than bring you down.
Practice gratitude:
Take time each day to reflect on the good things in your life and express gratitude for them. Focus on what you have rather than what you lack to increase your feelings of contentment and gratitude. Look around you and ask yourself, what am I thankful for?
Exercise regularly:
Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost mood and decrease stress levels. Group sports or exercise classes are a great way to meet people too who have a similar interest to you.
Engage in activities that bring you joy
Pursue your hobbies, interests, and activities that you enjoy. Make time and prioritise the things that make you happy. Plan them in your diary each week.

Focus on personal growth and development:
Set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them, whether it’s learning a new skill or taking steps to improve your mental or physical health. Setting and achieving goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.
Be mindful:
Practice being present in the moment and fully engaging in your experiences rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future. Take a moment to relax, focus on your breathing, and notice how you feel.
Help others and give back:
Volunteering, helping others and contributing to something greater than oneself can increase feelings of happiness and purpose.
Practice self-care:
Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating well, and taking time to relax and recharge. Getting enough sleep and taking care of your physical and mental health can improve overall well-being and increase feelings of happiness.

Remember, happiness is a journey and not a destination. It may take time and effort to cultivate a sense of happiness. However, with consistent practice and effort, you can experience greater joy and fulfilment in your life. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey.

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