How Can I Become Happier?
How can I become happier? It’s one of the most asked questions about happiness.
And the answer is not that you should get more love, material wealth, or fame.
If you want to become happier and live a happier life, the first thing to do is to change your perspective on happiness.
Essentially, shift your perspective of happiness from the external world to the internal.
Happiness is our natural state of being. It is an inherent emotion, the default state, that we are born with.
Viewing happiness as an internal emotion, which is inherent and akin to a baseline state, can help us reframe the pursuit of happiness.
Instead of trying to chase things we think will make us happy, we can focus on unveiling our inner sense of contentment and well-being.
Therefore, becoming happier is not about striving to obtain external sources of joy, but rather about removing the barriers that obstruct our innate sense of contentment.
How To Live a Happier Life?
Imagine happiness as a pristine pool of water, serene and untouched.
However, layers of debris, such as negative thoughts, unfulfilled expectations, societal pressures, and past traumas, accumulate over time, clouding the clarity of this inherent happiness.
The process of uncovering happiness involves clearing away these layers to reveal the undisturbed reservoir of joy within.
To improve our overall happiness, one approach is to focus on introspection and self-awareness.
By closely examining our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, we can identify the sources of our unhappiness and recognize the patterns that cause them.
This self-awareness can help us to challenge negative thought patterns, reframe unhelpful beliefs, and make conscious choices that align with our values and well-being.
A practical tool that can help you be happier is some form of mindfulness exercise.
Be Mindful and Practice Gratitude
Practicing mindfulness is a practical tool that can make you happy.
Being mindful enables us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing us to acknowledge and accept them without becoming entangled in their grip.
Through mindfulness, we cultivate a deeper connection with our inner selves, fostering our connection to our innate happiness.
Another effective way to increase happiness is by practicing gratitude.
This involves making a habit of regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life. One way to do this is by keeping a journal of things you are thankful for.
This helps to shift your focus away from negativity and makes you happier.
Looking for a more in-depth guide?
This blog post can only begin to scratch the surface of what happiness is and how to be happy.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive guide, sign up for my FREE 7 Days to Lasting Happiness email course below.
9 Practical Tips to Help You Become Happier
The quest for a happier life is as unique as each of us here on spaceship earth.
Fortunately, there are several practical and widely accepted strategies that can help everyone boost their happiness:
Cultivate Gratitude: One of the best ways to become happier is practicing gratitude. It involves regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life. Keeping a journal of things you’re thankful for, helps shift focus away from negativity and increase feelings of contentment.
Nurture Relationships: Unsurprisingly, we are happy when we have friends. Investing time and effort into nurturing relationships with friends, family, and loved ones can provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Friends and family make a big difference in your overall feeling of happiness.
Engage in Meaningful Activities: People with a sense of meaning and purpose have been found to be substantially happier than those without. Pursuing activities that align with your values, interests, and passions can foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or engaging in creative endeavors, doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment can significantly contribute to happiness.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. Regular mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. Similarly, cultivating self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times.
Take Care of Your Physical Health: Physical well-being is closely linked to mental and emotional well-being. Prioritize activities that promote good physical health, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep, and managing stress effectively. Taking care of your body can have a positive impact on mood and overall happiness.
Set Realistic Goals: Working towards achievable goals can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way. However, it’s essential to set goals that are meaningful to you rather than pursuing goals solely based on external expectations or pressures.
Practice Acts of Kindness and help others: Engaging in acts of kindness, whether big or small, can boost happiness both for yourself and others. Look for opportunities to lend a helping hand, show compassion, or perform random acts of kindness. Acts of generosity and altruism can foster feelings of connection and fulfillment.
Limit Comparisons: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness. Focus instead on your own journey and progress, recognizing that everyone’s path is unique. Cultivate self-awareness and self-acceptance, embracing your strengths and imperfections alike.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If feelings of unhappiness persist despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools and insights for managing emotions, overcoming obstacles, and improving overall well-being.
Conclusion: Become Happier by Connecting with Your Innate Happiness
Discovering your innate happiness is a process of self-exploration and liberation.
It involves letting go of the pursuit of external validation and recognizing our inherent sense of well-being.
When we remove the obstacles that prevent us from accessing our innate happiness, we unlock a wellspring of joy that lies within us, allowing us to feel happier.
We must learn to connect with our authentic selves and tune into our innermost desires and needs.
This requires introspection, self-reflection, and a willingness to let go of limiting beliefs and expectations that hold us back from experiencing true happiness.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of the author. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care professional before trying any of the products or methods based on this content. I cannot guarantee that you will be free of stress, anxiety or depression, or that you will be happy. I simply want to share with you what I have discovered during my twenty years of seeking happiness and what has worked for me may not work for you.
