How to Improve Your Basic Happiness Level
By Genevieve Cunningham
Happiness is the ultimate goal. Even more than the perfect job or the perfect body, we want to be happy. We want to wake up with purpose and energy. We want to feel good about our daily life. But how do we do that? Most of us have tried the usual things -- buying nice things, hanging out with friends, trying a new job. And these things bring happiness temporarily. But how do we have happiness long-term? If you would like to increase the amount of happiness that you feel on a regular basis, try these researched methods that just might work.
Meditation
Meditation is so complicated and so easy. For the easy part, you just find a spot to sit quietly with your thoughts. But for the complicated part, you're supposed to let your thoughts float through your head without judgement. Which means you're supposed to separate from your thoughts. If that sounds difficult, you're not alone. Many find it incredibly hard in the beginning, but by the time they've practiced it for a while, they rave about the benefits. What kind of benefits? Less needless chatter in their minds, a sense of peace, a calmer nature, and less stress. It has a way of calming you down and making you appreciate the moment -- which turns out is extremely beneficial for happiness.
Time in Nature
Nature is all around us, and yet, we act like it's not there at all. We often avoid spending any time outdoors. But getting in nature is a proven method for happiness. It calms us down and makes us feel less daily stress. It forces us to smell the roses, so to speak. If you want to feel happy, make time for nature every day, and the slight boost in happiness will be hard to miss.
Slow Down
We are one of the busiest societies. We feel like we have to rush from one activity to another all the time. Heaven forbid we have time for rest, right? But the busyness of our lives is stressful and can lower your basic happiness. If you can, slow down. Say no to a few unnecessary activities. Spend some time at home with a good book. Slowing down is so good for body, mind, and soul -- so try this to improve the happiness in your life.
Happiness is a complicated issue for a lot of people. And these tips aren't sure-fire ways to improve yours. But they work for a lot of people, and they are absolutely worth a try. Happiness matters! Use these tips to increase your awareness and happiness, and you may be able to improve your lifestyle with more stable and ongoing happiness moving forward.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.