Are you up for a challenge? Far too many of us settle for less and don’t experience the happiness we deserve. When it comes to being happy, some of us tend to get in our own way. If you’re waiting for an accomplishment or timing to be perfect, you may find that happiness never comes. Don’t let this happen. There are plenty of things in your life right now to celebrate and be happy about. Make your happiness your project. Work on yourself and give yourself the happiness you deserve.
Are You Stuck In the Past?
Are you stuck in the cycle of reliving your glory days? You should know each time we ‘remember’ something our brain slightly alters that memory. Reliving a time in the past may be painting an unrealistic picture.
Think fondly of your past, but focus more on what would make you just as happy in the present. To help you practice living more in the current moment try this Mindful Hand Awareness Exercise: Grasp your hands tightly for five seconds, then release and notice how your hands feel. Keep your attention focused on the feeling for as long as you can.
This is a wonderful exercise for getting out of your head and into your physical awareness.
When you get stuck in the past, it's hard to move forward. For example, when you compare a new partner to an ex that didn't treat you so kindly and you constantly bring this up or you're guarded against your new partner. It's very hard to start a relationship like that. No one wants to be compared to the past. How are you supposed to start a new relationship when you are always thinking about how the old relationship hurt you?
It's rocky terrain, folks. If you find yourself doing it, it's okay. But try to figure out why you are stuck and work on it. That way you don't ruin a new relationship.
Get Into Gratitude
Research has shown that being thankful has many positive effects such as improved health, better immune systems, feelings of connection, and higher levels of collaboration. Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine is a great way to ensure happiness. Focusing on our shortcomings, rather than our blessings means losing sight of the fact that most things in our lives are pretty good.
Challenge yourself to start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for.
I started this practice about 3 years ago. I have many journals filled with my gratitude. This really helped me when I was going through a tough time during a career burnout.
At first, while I was writing my gratitude, I was having a tough time finding the positives in each day. I felt sad, I felt depressed and I lost sight of the good things throughout my day because all I could focus on was mentally not being there.
Once I was aware of what was happening, I really started to focus more on my gratitude practice. Instead of seeking out all the negative things that were happening internally, I looked for the positives throughout my day.
This really helped me get through this tough time I was going through at that time.
Start a gratitude practice and start seeking out the happy things that happen in your life every day.
Get Some Zzzzz
Sleep is not only crucial to overall health but necessary for happiness as well. Are you getting enough? The average adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
When you miss a good night’s rest, it’s gone forever. There’s no recouping missed sleep, which is why it’s crucial to get a full night every night. If your nighttime routine hinders getting to bed on time, create a more calming atmosphere.
Challenge yourself to commit to better sleep. Try adding these relaxing techniques to your routine:
Take a warm bath
Read a book before sleep
Keep your room cool and dark at night
Do a few calming stretches or meditate
Journal
Put away your phone and turn off all screens one hour before you plan to go to sleep
Sleep is when your brain takes out the trash. It's the time when your brain cleans up everything from that day. It can only do this if you are getting enough good quality sleep.
Let your brain take out the daily trash. It goes through a lot each day. Get some sleep!