Happiness is an Inside Job
Happiness comes from inside you. It means that you have the power to sense contentment on your own, without needing things, people or external sources to make you feel good. Of course there are moments or friends that can make you smile, but real happiness starts with how you think and feel inside. It’s about finding joy in simple things and being thankful for what you have. So, remember, you’re in control of your own happiness, and it starts with a positive attitude and how you see the world.
So whether you’re a young person navigating the challenges of growing up or someone of any age looking to find more joy in life, these tips can serve as a guide to brighter days and a happier you.”
Be Bright, Be Happy, Be You
Gratitude
Did you know that being happy is something you can work on every day? It’s all about appreciating what you have and realizing your own awesome potential. Start your day with a grateful heart, thanking not just your family and friends but also the cool gadgets that make your life easier, like your phone, computer, or toaster. Even the fact that you can laugh and enjoy life is a big deal! To help you get going, we’ve got a free Gratitude Diary waiting for you
Friends
Studies show that we become like the five people we spend the most time with, therefore it is imperative to surround yourself with kind, positive people. Do the mobile phone test! Look through your phone and consider if that person was to ring me right now, would I be excited or dread taking the call? The ‘dreaders’ are the draggers that zap your positive energy and need to be avoided.
Love Yourself
The person you believe yourself to be, good or bad, is the person you tell the world, family, friends and work colleagues you are. Love and respect yourself so that you can be loved and respected in return. No one is born with high or low self-esteem so if have a low opinion of yourself, ask yourself who made you feel that way? Challenge those memories and the person that made you feel that way. Were they right? Are they always right? Are they still a part of your life today? What qualifications did they have to give you the opinion? What did they have to gain?
Allow yourself to see what other people who love and adore you see in you. See yourself through their eyes. Write a list of the people who love/loved you and consider why they feel/felt this way. Write a list of the people who love/have loved you and consider their point of view. Also write a list of all the kind things you have done, the people you made smile or were there to give a hug to. Keep these lists handy and read them often.
Terminology
Your life and everything you experience are based entirely upon the words you use to describe it, therefore look at upgrading your words and you will upgrade your life. For example, if you feel depressed, consider what word you could use to describe yourself if the word ‘depression’ didn’t exist? What about if the words panic attack didn’t exist, would you just be feeling anxious? Or how about instead of using the word hate, try using the word dislike as this extinguishes the intense negative feelings associated with that word. You should notice that using better words significantly reduces the negative emotions you create when you use them.
Look at upgrading other aspects of your terminology: Instead of being furious, try being cross and instead of being okay, be fantastic. You can also empower your positive words in the same way. Try changing good to excellent and how about happy to ecstatic? Another great trick is to add the two words ‘BUT LUCKILY’ to anything negative you say or think. For example, “It’s pouring with rain, BUT LUCKILY, I have an umbrella and a coat to keep me dry” or “I feel really poorly and can’t get to work, BUT LUCKILY, I have lots of films I want to catch up on”.
Goals
If you don’t set your goals, statistically you are destined to become a part of someone else’s. Just start with 2 or 3 daily goals no matter how small, then progress to goals for the year ahead and then goals for your future. Having goals will give you direction, purpose and a sense of achievement. Read more …
Declutter
A cluttered environment creates a cluttered mind leaving a feeling of disorganisation and overwhelm. If your home or workspace is in order, this gives you a feeling of power, focus and achievement. Lights are proven to lift your mood, so remove any light-absorbing clutter from window sills. Use lights, lamps and mirrors to brighten your home and your mood. Use our Declutter Decider to help get you started.
Wow List
Why take the chance on how you wake up each morning? Direct your dreams and the day ahead by writing a WOW list to keep at the side of your bed. Your WOW list should comprise of 6 to 8 things that are WOW about you or your life, which can include an amazing experience, passing an exam, someone who loves you unconditionally or a special memory of a time you laughed uncontrollably. Read it morning and night, and change or add things to the WOW list every now and then.
Good News Jar
A good news jar is a fantastic way to capture, appreciate and relive happy memories, achievements, fun times and amazing experiences. Write the date and a brief description of what you did and how it felt on bright squares of paper. Find a large jar to keep all of your ‘happy moments’ safe. Keep your jar until the end of the year and enjoy a year full of memories
Random Acts of Kindness
Try doing Random Acts of Kindness! It’s simple: do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return. It could be holding the door open, complimenting a friend, or helping someone with their homework. You’ll be amazed at how making others smile can make you happier too. Plus, it’s a superpower that spreads positivity everywhere you go!”
How To Feel Happy Immediately
- Smile: Even if you don’t feel like it, smiling can trigger a positive response in your brain.
- Practice gratitude: Take a moment to think about the things you’re grateful for.
- Take deep breaths: Deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
- Listen to uplifting music: Music has the power to uplift your mood almost instantly.
- Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
- Get sunlight: Spend some time outdoors or near a window to soak in natural light.
- Hug someone: Physical touch releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and bonding.
- Watch a funny video or movie: Laughter is a great way to instantly boost your mood.
- Do something kind for someone else: Acts of kindness can create a sense of fulfilment and happiness.
- Practice mindfulness: Take a moment to focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple things around you.
- Stroke a pet: Spending time with a pet, such as stroking or cuddling them, can have a positive impact on your mood.
- Engage in a hobby: Doing something you enjoy, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy.
- Connect with a loved one: Reach out to a friend or family member for a chat or spend quality time with them. Human connection can boost your mood and provide emotional support.
- Treat yourself: Indulge in a small pleasure, like enjoying a favourite snack, relaxing bath, or reading a book you love. Taking time for self-care can improve your mood and overall well-being.
