With the start of the new year upon us, we are all going to be hounded with ways to be “better.” Diets, exercise, organization. All the things that will magically solve our dissatisfaction and unhappiness with our selves. Let’s be real. All of that is a bunch of garbage. There is no magic fix. No one thing that is going to change which foot you put first.
Perspective is a huge part of being happy and content. There are lots of people out there who have a predisposition to positivity and optimism. But if you are like me (cynic and total realist), you sometimes need a little nudge to change your attitude and get going. There is no secret sauce for happiness, but there are some things you can do to change your routine and your surroundings to up the ante, so to speak.
No one’s life is perfect, even if they portray that on social media or when you meet up for a quick brunch. We all have our things. Life is messy and complicated, but even with all of the hards, we can choose happiness and how we respond to the things life throws our way.
I thought I would share the few things I have done over the last year or so that has truly increased my happiness barometer and in turn, made me more and more productive.
Show Kindess
I know it sounds simple, but trust me on this one. Going out of your way to do things for others will drastically change your outlook on your own life and needs. It doesn’t have to be huge, time consuming tasks. Simple, small things that you actively do for others.
- Hold the door for others every time you enter a building, even if you are rushed.
- Go out of your way to ask your spouse what you can do to make their day better.
- Compliment others – even strangers. If you like someone’s shirt, let them know!
Practice Gratitude
This is one of the biggest things that I started doing that truly changed my outlook on life. We are creatures of complain in day to day life. We remember the negative and forget the positive. But changing your focus to be on the things you DO have, as opposed to what we don’t have will rewire your brain.
Every morning when you wake up, think about three things you have to be grateful for in your life. And every night think of three things you have to grateful for that day. Do it for 30 days and you will literally FEEL the difference in your continence.
There have been countless studies of the positive changes that come from practicing daily gratitude. I started using a Five Minute Journal a few years ago and really started being dedicated about it this year. It uses the science of positive psychology to start and end your day on a better note and improve your overall mental health and well being. I can’t recommend it enough!
Get More Sleep
No one likes an overtired toddler, and an overtired adult is just as bad. We all “think” we don’t have enough time in the day, but if you stopped scrolling and turned off the nightly Netflix, you might realize you have way more free time than you thought!
- Charge your phone in another room so you aren’t tempted to scroll through the night.
- Blackout your room with dark curtains for the months when the sun is out at 6am.
- Try using white noise if you don’t find yourself sleeping soundly through the night.
Clean Home = Clean Mind
When your space is cluttered or disorganized, it is hard to feel peaceful and thoughtful. I have to have a clean kitchen and made bed to feel like I’m ready for the day. Taking a little time each night before bed to tidy up any messes made will set you up for success the next morning.
Move Your Body
Exercise doesn’t have to be punishment or something you do just to lose weight. It is like Elle Woods said. “Exercise creates endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” Totally true. It can be anything from a walk in the sunshine, playing tag with your littles or getting a real sweat sesh in.
Take Care of Yourself
Getting up and ready for the day is a huge way I can make sure I am in a good mood. Putting in a little time to through on some make up, fix your hair and put on clothes that make you feel like the best version of yourself can completely transform your state of mind.
Red lipstick is my secret weapon to having a good day!
These are just a few ways to set yourself up for a happy day, week and a totally new year. Start slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself by making too many changes at once. There is a lot of pressure to “make over” yourself around the New Year.
Remember, you are perfect just as you are. You don’t need to change your life, but sometimes you just need a little perspective shift.
What things do you do to be happy on a regular basis?
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