Happiness (noun): ‘A positive emotional state characterized by feelings such as contentment, joy, and life satisfaction.’
Our emotional and mental wellbeing is everything, and happiness makes up for a very big part of that, improving our overall health. So being happy makes us feel great.
They say the best things in life are free, and this is true. Happiness can be free, and it doesn’t have to be a big deal, it can be the smallest of things. For example, how much time do you spend with your family, talking and laughing? How often do you go for a walk or a run? Do you watch the sunrise or the sunset? These things are the best things for putting a smile on your face!
We’ve all seen the fridge magnets, ‘Happiness is not a destination but a journey’. But, unfortunately, there’s a bit of a misconception that ongoing happiness can be gained from the purchasing of materialistic things or hitting that goal, and yes, don’t get me wrong, these things will put a smile on your face but creating happiness for all time is very much generated within… and yes, there’s no doubt money can help.
It’s not all about having that big house, that sports car, those designer clothes, it’s very much a mindset thing. So finding things you enjoy doing which make you happy and shifting to a positive mindset is the way forward.
Check out some simple things below that you can take on, which are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
>Connections
Whether with family or friends, connection is super important for us. Having that person you can talk to about anything, that person that will listen and laugh beside you, who will have your back no matter what. Having connections outside of our screens can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, and lead to higher self-esteem. Let them know you’re there for them too.
>Sleep
Sleep is essential. A good night’s sleep allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function to its best ability, making you feel sluggish and definitely not happy. So be sure to put some hours in under the sheets to reduce stress and lift your mood.
>Fresh air
This one is simple. The more fresh air you breathe in, the more oxygen you inhale, which will increase the amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) you are taking in, consequently making you happier. More oxygen running through your body results in greater brain functionality, improving your concentration skills and providing more energy. So get out and get some sun on your face… vitamin D is good for you too!
>Exercise
We have all heard it a million times - regular exercise is good for you. It makes you lose weight, reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers your blood sugar level and helps your insulin work to its potential. It can also improve your mental health. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed, perfect for dealing with stress and depression. So whether it’s a gym, a cycle, a run or a walk, getting outside is excellent for your inside.
>Self-Care
Big fans of this one here at MESOA. By incorporating self-care activities into your regular daily routine, your mind will rest, reset, and rejuvenate. Practising self-care habits such as walking, socializing, and course creating a MESOA skincare routine will help you avoid or reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety and ultimately make you happier. To help balance a busy life, we need some self-care to increase happiness, improve energy, and make us feel unstoppable!
>Meditation
I know not everyone is a fan, but mediation offers many benefits. Meditation can act as a circuit breaker for our non-stop busy lifestyle, giving our minds and bodies a chance to recharge. It’s a powerful natural antidote to stress and is but a simple mental technique used by people worldwide. Sit, switch off your mind, focus on your breathing. Just a few minutes a day will make such a difference to your mindset.
>Music
We’ve all got that song or album that makes us smile, which reminds us of a specific time in our lives. Research proves that when we listen to music, our brain releases dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel emotions like happiness, excitement, and joy. Plus, listening to music can boost your mood, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep. So put some old tunes on, dance it out and take yourself back to that happy memory.
>Planning
Take your mind away and wander off. Maybe you’re planning out your goals for the year, and maybe it’s a big adventure you want to go on now that the skies are opening back up. Whatever your plan, take time to sit and write up your thoughts. You cannot create a happiness plan, there’s no blueprint for that, but planning out your next moves is exciting. Dreams, needs, desires and ideas all want to achieve in your meaningful, happy, and fulfilling life. Simple planning can help boost happiness and lift stress; we will feel greater energy levels if we know the plan.
Lots of these things can be done together. Take a walk with friends, exercise while you listen to music, do your MESOA skin-care routine then mediate and sleep well. Work out what makes you happy and make it your new habit. Enjoy every minute.