When times are difficult, everyone looks for varying ways to stay motivated and cheerful. Keeping a positive attitude can have a lot to do with how you see the world around you, but altering your vision of the world can sometimes be difficult. I know I find it difficult when we are in the midst of a pandemic and have various stressors that come with raising a young family and have a busy life. One thing you can do to improve your outlook on life is to focus on the small things that can bring you joy.
Dealing with more immense hardships can cause us to lose sight of all the small joys and things we should and can be grateful for. However, the truth is that it is the little things that can lead us to a happier existence. So, here are a few easy strategies for you to begin appreciating the less essential things that are achievable in everyday life.
- Begin Each Day with a Smile
Smiling stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, making the body feel calm, cheerful, and stress-free. So beginning your day with a smile might make you feel better without requiring any effort.
Before you get out of bed in the morning, ask yourself what one thing of you are grateful for that day. This may seem like a simple question, but it is sure to make you feel thankful for what you have and instantly put a smile on your face.
“A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” –William Hazlitt
Have a read of this article for more on this subject: The physical and psychological effects of smiling.
- Engage in Activities That You Enjoy
Working in an unsatisfying profession or placing yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable might significantly impact your happiness. While you may feel forced to perform certain things, doing activities you dislike will ultimately make you miserable.
As a result, it is beneficial to invest your time in activities you enjoy, regardless of how tiny or straightforward they may be. When you accomplish something out of love, you will ultimately feel much more fulfilled and pleased.
For me, lifting weights, playing lego with my son, walking the dog at our nearby beach, dancing embarrassingly with my daughter, cooking favourite things to eat are all examples of this.
- Accept Your Humanity
Do your best not to seek perfection – life is rarely perfect and can be incredibly frustrating if we are always striving for only that. being human is to understand this, and to see beauty and joy in things less than perfect in this life. Being human is also to accept that we can be perfect as we are, or simply that striving to be perfect is unachievable and not to attempt it beyond our own terms. Simplicity can be perfection.
I’ve written about seeing beauty in the ordinary previously here.
- Determine Your Purpose
Engage in something larger than ourselves and make a meaningful life. Align your actions with the causes that are important to you.
For help with this, read this article: What Is Your Life Purpose? Discover it Here.
- Make Your Body Joyful
Your nervous system links your brain to the entire body. Without distinction, a healthy body equates to a healthy intellect. Listen to your body and take note of how it needs treatment, nourishment, and movement.
- Take Time for Social Interaction
Regardless of how much of an introvert you are, it is usually beneficial to schedule time with friends and family. While staying at home or concentrating on work may appear to be the best use of your time, socialising will help you clear your thoughts.
You do not have to stay out all night to feel as if you went out. Even something as simple as a stroll around the park with a close friend will assist you in recharging your batteries. In exchange, this will enable you to regain the attention necessary to complete the remainder of your day.
Numerous studies have discovered that one of the strongest predictors of pleasure is social interaction. One of the most persuasive studies supporting this is the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed the lives of hundreds of participants and, more recently, their children for more than 80 years.
Researchers discovered that close relationships are the primary component that contributes to people’s happiness throughout their lives. In addition, individuals who have great relationships are happier and have better physical and mental health than less attached ones.
- Allow Yourself to Forgive and Let Go
Frequently, this is easier said than done (and I understand it is not always possible). However, when we cling to our own or others’ faults, it has a detrimental effect on our mind, body, and relationships. By forgiving yourself and others, you can alleviate negative burdens. Allow yourself to let go of things that no longer benefit you where possible.
- Utilise Your Inner Strength
This life is entirely yours. Take the initiative to do what you want and do it properly. Take the initiative to adore what you desire in life honestly. Take control of your ability to wander in nature and become a part of it. Take control of your own life. Nobody else will be able to do it for you. Take control and make your life happy.
- Transform Meaning to Action
Transform your values into verbs. For example, if the family is truly important to you, make it a point to spend time together without electronics. If giving back to the community is essential to you, consider volunteering with a local organisation.
- Pay Attention to Your Heart
You are the only one who truly understands what satisfies you. Your relatives and acquaintances may believe you’d excel at something that genuinely does not interest you. As a result, it can be difficult to accomplish your happiness. Act upon that which lights you up and fills you with energy and vigour.
- Strive to Improve Yourself, Not Others
While it’s natural to believe that someone else is accountable for your fulfilment, the reality is that it is entirely your responsibility. You are more likely to attain your goals once you recognise this. So quit criticising others or the world, and you may find your solutions far faster.
- Speak Your Heart Out
Tell the truth. There is nothing more heartbreaking than clutching the words you never had the guts to speak or that you feel you do not fully own.
- Open Yourself to Change
Even though it doesn’t always feel comfortable, change is usually beneficial and invigorating for most of us in one way or another.
Final Word
Your attitude toward everything that occurs around you often determines your overall satisfaction in life. Optimism and healthy expectations will enable you to adjust and approach any challenge with a level head.
Happiness and satisfaction are within your grasp but can escape you from time to time. The first step towards finding them more often is to recognise what works best for you. Seek out other ways of finding happiness in the simplest of ways each day and you’ll likely find yourself enjoying life more in general terms.
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