Daily life is challenging. Stressors are everywhere — the demands of a career, family, social obligations, finances, etc.
When life becomes too overwhelming, it’s common to feel somewhat dissatisfied and unhappy. It’s not as easy to see the bright side of things.
So, how do you cope and find joy and happiness in your daily life?
The answers are more straightforward than you might think.
If you’re looking for ways to find happiness, keep reading. You’ll discover more about what it actually means to be happy and learn nine tips for cultivating happiness in your daily life.
Contents
What Does It Mean to Be Happy?
You probably don’t think much about the definition of happiness. It’s a feeling and something that most of us assume we can identify when it occurs within us.
Yet, if you find yourself wondering how to achieve feelings of happiness in your life, it’s essential to understand precisely what that means.
Positive psychology researcher and author Sonja Lyubomirsky describes happiness as:
“The experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”
With that description in mind, you might still wonder how to cultivate happiness in your daily life.
Here’s how.
Small Ways to Find Happiness in Daily Life
Life can bring about seemingly endless challenges and disappointments. Still, there are a few ways you can create feelings of happiness each day.
It takes a bit of practice, and you have to be intentional about changing your mindset for these methods to click.
But if you follow these simple tips consistently, you’re more likely to feel more positive and happy regardless of what life brings.
Revel In the Simple Things
The simple things matter.
It can come in the form of a hot cup of tea, a home-cooked meal shared with people you love, a hot shower, or a moment of laughter.
Noticing and honoring the simple things in life that you may typically take for granted will help each day seem more rich and full.
Make Time for Loved Ones
While it can be challenging when you’re busy or overwhelmed, carving out time to spend with people you love is one of the best ways to cultivate happiness.
Toward the end of life, most people find themselves reflecting on how they wish they’d spent less time working and more time with friends and family.
Embrace the opportunity to focus on your loved ones now, and you’ll probably feel happier about how you spend your time.
Focus on the Positive
Difficult as it may be, take time to notice when you’re dwelling on negative thoughts such as fear, anger, worry, or self-doubt.
Acknowledge how you feel, and try to find a positive way to frame that thought or focus on the beneficial results of a situation that wasn’t exactly ideal.
Don’t Insist on Perfection
Even if you don’t consider yourself a perfectionist, we all have our own ideas about how things should be.
It’s not bad to have high expectations for yourself or others, but it is crucial to understand that nothing (and no one) is perfect.
Accepting people and life’s events as they are is a great way to welcome greater happiness into your sphere.
Discover Your Passion
We spend so much time fulfilling life’s obligations that we often forget to nurture our passions. Some of us never even try to figure out what we’re passionate about.
Whether it’s volunteering for a community group or a hobby you enjoy, nurture your passion and make time for it.
Be Authentic
Many people feel that in order to please others or succeed, they need to present themselves a certain way.
It’s time to rethink your approach if:
You feel like you haven’t been speaking your mind or doing what’s best for you because you’re afraid of upsetting other people.
As long as you are honest, brave, strong, and communicate with compassion and love, you’re likely to gain respect and not the conflict you fear.
Spend Time in Nature
If you’re feeling down, it can be beneficial to get outside.
Connecting with nature has the power to help you feel more grounded and ready to reflect on what really matters.
Walking, biking, running, and swimming are all great ways to be active in the natural world.
If you’re not feeling up for physical activity, spread a blanket over the grass and close your eyes while you listen to the birds and feel the wind on your skin.
Practice Gratitude
It’s customary to remember what you’re grateful for once a year during the Thanksgiving holiday.
But did you know a daily gratitude practice can have immense benefits for your mindset and well-being?
Train your brain to focus on the abundance you might otherwise take for granted by:
- Keeping a journal
- Making lists
- Setting a reminder to acknowledge what you’re grateful for at least once a day.
Declutter Objects and Tasks
If your living space or time is full of too much stuff or excessive obligations, you can make room for happiness by simplifying and decluttering.
Getting rid of things you no longer need opens up space in your home and can make you feel more physically and emotionally free.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Find ways to ask for help, delegate, or simply turn down obligations that are more than you can handle or rob you of personal time.
If All Else Fails
If these adjustments or lifestyle changes (such as diet and regular exercise) don’t help, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional.
Getting help for chronic sadness/depression is a wonderful way to take care of yourself.
The truth is:
Many people do need help regulating their emotions in this chaotic world.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you’ve made reasonable attempts to seek feelings of happiness on your own without much success.
Conclusion
Cultivating happiness takes practice and mindfulness, but everyone can benefit from personalized routines.
Follow these tips, and be patient. Over time, your mindset can shift to one of greater positivity and contentment.
[Author Bio]
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech Bowling Green to help them with their online marketing.