Last Updated on August 21, 2022 by Angela
Having a happy lifestyle can be hard to achieve, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. You just need to learn how to make some small changes in your everyday life that will add up to big differences in your overall happiness, and these six happy lifestyle tips are the perfect place to start.
1) Keep a gratitude journal
There’s a reason so many success gurus swear by a gratitude journal, it works. Once you get into a daily habit of reminding yourself of all that you have to be grateful for, you’ll find that your days are not only happier but also more productive and successful. The idea is simple, Each night before bed, write down one thing for which you’re grateful. It can be anything from your health to your family to your job. By focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t, it becomes easier to turn lemons into lemonade.
2) Wear a Smile
It’s easy to get caught up in negativity and let it follow you around. But how often do you smile at others? Smiling is a simple, yet powerful act that can instantly change someone’s mood. Sometimes just a smile can be enough to make someone feel good on a bad day or remind them of all they have to be grateful for. A smile can even help with pain management! A 2015 study found that smiling helps to ease physical pain by activating parts of your brain associated with pleasure and reward. So go ahead, wear a smile today.
3) Drink in moderation
Studies show that people who drink a glass of wine or beer a day are generally healthier than those who don’t, and alcohol has been linked to health benefits like helping prevent heart disease and stroke. But not all forms of alcohol are created equal, and while research suggests moderate drinkers live longer than both abstainers and heavy drinkers, you may be putting your liver at risk if you regularly drink more than one or two drinks per night.
4) Snack Smarter
Studies show that eating high-fiber, low-sugar snacks can help keep hunger at bay. When you want a snack, opt for something such as an apple and string cheese. Not only is it an easy way to cut back on calories, but it’s also a good way to get your daily fiber intake up. If snacking makes you feel like you’re being unhealthy, try packing some healthier snacks with you on your next outing.
5) Get on a better sleep schedule
Is it possible to be happier just by sleeping more? According to research, yes. People who get 7-8 hours of sleep a night are 28% less likely to report symptoms of depression than those who only got 6 or fewer hours. And even though studies show that many of us don’t get nearly enough sleep on an average night, most people underestimate how much they actually need. A good goal is to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and if you can hit 8+ hours, you’ll have a higher chance of being happy and productive in your waking life.
6) Use apps to motivate yourself
For many of us, no matter how great our intentions are, there are days when we’re just not feeling motivated. Maybe you’re exhausted or maybe you just don’t feel like exerting any energy. Instead of letting that get in your way, find a way to be productive anyway. You will likely surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.
Conclusion
One of the most important things to realize about being happy is that it’s often not related to big life events or material success. It’s about being content with what you have and feeling confident enough to enjoy yourself without worrying about how others will judge you. Happiness isn’t something that comes when we get X, Y, or Z, it’s already inside us, and we just need to figure out how to access it!
