Sometimes we assume that we need to make drastic changes to our lives to be happy. Fortunately, experts say that most of the time we have everything we need to enjoy life, it’s just a matter of prioritizing.
It’s true that some days the world feels like an especially challenging place and we find ourselves getting bogged down with worry, uncertainty and concern. But we can change the perspective and choose to enjoy the little things and see the challenges as bricks we use to build a better, stronger version of ourselves. How can we do that? Here are some suggestions experts recommend:
Laugh more
In a piece for MindBodyGreen.com, yoga instructor Dani Marie Robinson noted the importance of seeking out laughter in your day, whether it be texting a friend who makes you laugh, or even just checking out your favorite comedian on YouTube. “It’s impossible to feel the crippling burden of negative emotions while engrossed in laughter,” Robinson wrote. “It gives the mind and body a much needed reset and forces us into the moment. It is uplifting, energizing and oddly calming at the same time.”
Be whimsical; think like a child
Remind yourself of the things that made you happy when you were young, such as running through the rain, smelling fresh flowers, playing fun games, and being carefree. Children revel in and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We should endeavor to do the same.
Stop trying to be happy
Happiness is not something you can chase. It is something you have to allow. This likely will come as a surprise to many people, but happiness is not actually something you can coach yourself into. Happiness is your natural state. That means you will return to it on your own if you allow the other feelings you want to experience to come up, be felt, be processed, and not resisted. The less you resist your unhappiness, the happier you will be. It is often just trying too hard to feel one certain way that sets us up for failure.
Appreciate and focus on what you have
We tend to look at our lives relative to others, which can lead to harsh self-assessments. We even think of ourselves as stupid because we barely passed an exam and not get a perfect score like our genius classmate, or think of ourselves as poor because we only live in a moderately-sized house and not a mansion like that of our millionaire neighbor. Never allow comparisons to torment yourselves and think that your lives are of less value. Rather, use it as a positive motivation to do better. And be thankful for passing the test and for the modest house, filled with laughter.
