Instantly improve happiness levels
People pursue happiness, chase happiness, look for happiness everywhere. Happiness is like the soft beach sand that we hold in our hands. If we make a fist and keep trying to hold onto it tighter and tighter more and more of it will fall out. The key is to realise there is enough sand in the beach which we can pick up and hold at any point in time.
5 ways to instantly improve your happiness levels.
- Celebrate more Smile more
Sometimes you are so bogged down with everyday challenges that you forget to smile. You think we only when something considerably significant happens only then you can celebrate. If you really look for things to to celebrate and smile about you will find new things everyday to smile more. Even if you are not really feeling cheerful just the physical act of smiling activates those facial muscles which could trigger your brain to bring up more positive thoughts and memories.
2. Live in the now – be mindful
Two very important factors that ruin your happiness are regrets of the past and worries about the future. There is value in the past if we learn from the past not When we spend a lot of time regretting the past. Similarly there is a value in thinking about the future and planning/ working for the same and not when we spend a lot of time worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness brings you to the now and allows you to focus on the present and be in the present.
3. Pursue your passion
Work is a significant part of life that gives purpose. It gives a structure to time, and could provide economic fulfilment. Some might be fortunate to pursue their passion as work, but it doesn’t mean others cannot. Find your passion, explore different options to pursue it either as a hobby or even a part-time. Pursuing your passion be it art, activity, social work etc can give you a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
4. Practice gratitude
Building a practice of gratitude is one way of highlighting the positives in your life and at the same time gain perspective over the difficulties in your life. A practice of gratitude enhances overall positivity, improves mood and your happiness levels.
5. Spend some time in Nature
Spending some quiet time in nature brings down your stress levels, calms you down, relaxes you, gives your perspective, and over all soothes you.
We don’t really need to chase around happiness, happiness is all around us if we allow it to touch us in myriad ways.
About the Author:
Kala Balasubramanian is a certified Counselling Psychologist/Psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Diplomas in Counselling and has further certifications specializing in couple/marriage/relationship counselling and family counselling. As a professional counsellor she provides a supportive, understanding, professional and confidential environment to work with clients – Individuals and Couples explore their emotions, help them understand and manage their challenges, relationships and stress better