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12 Simple Ways To Be Happy With Your Life & Even Happier

There are a lot of different metrics and lifestyles by which a lot of people measure how happy you are in life. Are you ready to invest in making changes and personal improvements to your life? 

This could be how far you’ve progressed in your professional capacity or how many decisions you have been able to personally make or achieve.

Of course, those definitely aren’t the only metrics but they are certainly important.

Perhaps you might have found yourself in a position where you’re not progressing in a particular aspect of your life and you’re not necessarily sure why.

One of the most common reasons is that many other things in your life are getting in your way of being able to reach your full potential.

With that in mind, I will give you some simple lifestyle changes that can impact your happiness.

1. Be intentional about your relationships

A good family is a lifestyle that makes you happy

You might have been told that you need to separate personal relationships from everything else in your life but the truth is that that’s impossible.

Your relationships impact everything from your work to your studies to your overall well-being.

If you’re in a bad relationship or you’re dealing with toxic friendships, then it’s pretty much inevitable that it’s gonna affect your happiness in the long run.

If you’ve got those kinds of things hanging over you all the time it’s guaranteed to affect your motivation and self-esteem.

You’ve got to wisely choose the kind of people you need in your life.

2. Be in tune with yourself

Have you ever felt that, with so much going on around you, and with so much you have to do, you’re living a treadmill existence? Or do you feel so overwhelmed that you feel like getting away from it all and running away into Oblivion?

Well, I have one thing that helped me deal with this feeling. It is the act of reconnecting to yourself.

You know, it’s easy to get lost in activities so much that you lose your true sense of self and purpose. It may feel as though your life is a pointless race just going through the motions. You need to rise above it. Yes, choose to rise above it.

No matter how frantic life gets, truly successful and happy people are able to rise above the pandemonium because they have asked themselves and know what truly matters to them, what life is about and what they really want. You need to define life yourself and live in tune with it.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed take a moment to reconnect… to yourself. This simply means taking stock of your life. It means plugging out the outside world and rediscovering your forgotten values, priorities and passions.

Paint a mental picture of the life you love and check if that’s your reality.  If it’s not, why is it so?

Ask yourself – What are my own needs and desires? What truly matters to you? (Hey, not what you think should be important but what truly is) How can I create a life that fits who I am now and who I want to be in the future? Sincere answers to these questions will provide you with a chance to re-evaluate your life and make course corrections which will, in turn, make you happier.

Make recollecting and re-connecting to yourself a regular habit. At least once every week, take some time out alone and just take stock of your life. No, not worry but think… reflect… examine…consider… your recent choices, relationships, activities, hopes and goals etc.

3. Pursue your passions

It might be reading adventure stories, baking, teaching young children or building a business empire but what is that one thing that stirs up your juices and has you skidding about like a little kid when you think about it or do it? If you’ve known that thing, then go after it! Don’t just go after it, make going after it a priority.

So many of us bury our passions under the responsibilities of everyday life and then we wonder why sometimes we feel empty or drained. Your passions help you sustain a joie de vivre and excitement about life.

If you’re like me, you probably spend most of your time trying to complete the millions of tasks on your to-do list and there’s definitely no time for “this or that passion”. Your passion is often relegated to the “when I have time” list (which is most probably never).

Why not take responsibility for the way you use your time and fix up activities you enjoy in that to-do list of yours.

When you do, you’ll realize that you do have the time.

Remember that it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, what makes it special is the fact that you enjoy it.

You don’t need endless time and perfect conditions. Do it today. Do it for twenty minutes and watch your heart start beating”- Barbara  Sher.

Additionally, when you’re passionately engaged in something you absolutely enjoy, you’ll be focused. You will totally present and lose track of time and sight of yourself. Your struggles and surroundings will fly away at that moment and you’ll gradually feel happy.

#Tip: List two activities you are passionate about ( painting, cooking a gourmet meal, playing a musical instrument… the list is endless!)  and make plans to do them now, later, or tomorrow. I think I’ll take my own advice and go dancing as soon as I’m done with writing 😜.

4. Simplify, simplify, simplify

simplicity makes you happy
Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Make You Really Happy

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, you do too much – too many tasks, too many responsibilities, too many options, too many activities, too many places to go. You are only going to exhaust yourself in the pursuit of all these things.

Perhaps the desire to acquire more is what makes you rattled. All the ads you see suggest that when you get that new car, those clothes or gadgets; your life would be great. That just isn’t true and experience has taught me that things don’t bring happiness.

Simplicity does.

Simplifying your life means getting rid of the things that don’t add to you. Eliminating the time and energy-consuming activities that give little or no returns. It entails stripping off possessions and habits that obstruct your way of doing what is truly important.

Simplicity is a personal thing.

What is simple for me might not really be simple for you.

For example, some people may consider their smartphone as a gadget they can’t live without, while some see it as a toy that can easily be parted with. Only you can simplify your life. It’s up to you to find out the things that impede or enhance the quality of life you want. Ask yourself “do I need everything I have or do right now?” You also need to declutter things if you don’t need them.

Making your life simple brings freedom from mental and emotional clutter. It makes your life clearer, more focused and less complicated. You’ll experience a greater sense of inner peace, fewer involvements and more time to spend on things that are truly important to you. You’ll live life at your own pace. Above all, you’ll be happier.

#Tip: There are neither rules nor guidelines to simplifying your life but a good way to start is to create simplicity in small ways. Give out things you haven’t used in a while, examine your daily or weekly schedules and cut back on certain activities, clean up your closet, home or workspace. Fix a schedule and stick to it… You get it, right?

5. Make gratitude a habit

showing gratitude can make you feel happy
Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Make You Really Happy

“ We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting what we don’t have but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have” – Frederick Koenig.

All too often you are too consumed with what you don’t have, what is wrong or missing from your life that you don’t genuinely appreciate what you do have.

Being grateful doesn’t mean being complacent or losing sight of your goals or visions. It means being grateful for what you have and not taking them for granted.

Well, if you’re not sure of what you should be grateful for, be grateful for life itself, for the fact that you can use your five senses, for the things and people around you. Change your perspective and you’ll realize how rich your life really is.

There is always something to be thankful for. Focus each day on what you have, focus on what’s fantastic about your life and express gratitude.

#Tip: Every morning, find something specific for which you are thankful. Dwell on it and imagine life without it. This simple practice will enrich your life greatly.

6. Invest more in yourself

The best thing to invest in is yourself. Yup! You heard it, invest in yourself. In your capabilities, skills, learning, competence…basically on everything that has to do with you.

Don’t be reluctant to spend on yourself.

Have what is called the “beginner’s mind”. Always strive to learn or try out something new be it a new language or skill. Do sport or play a new musical instrument, meet new people, and visit places you’ve never been to. Just get caught up in the wonder and excitement of new beginnings.

You can also acquire more knowledge and skills that’ll help you advance in your career. Be intentional about it. Seek opportunities for growth in your everyday interactions. Learning doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom. Make your life a 24/7 seminar that teaches you about life itself.

7. Revitalize during leisure

Make leisure a consistent part of your life. At the end of a busy week, why not indulge yourself, get down in the groove and give yourself a break? Knowing that you have “good stuff” scheduled will keep you motivated and happy.

#Tip: What new thing are you going to learn this month? Schedule time for leisure right now. Watch a movie, sing, go dancing, bake bread… do anything that helps you feel good. 

8. Take care of your health

Eat well to be happy
Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Make You Really Happy

 

You’ve probably heard the old maxim “health is wealth” and the truth in that statement cannot be overemphasized. We do nothing outside our bodies and you’ll agree with me that poor health doesn’t equal happiness, does it?

So to live a terrific life you have to take care of your health. It’s a must.

Don’t just swallow anything that comes into your hands. Be intentional about what you eat. Take your diet seriously. Food is practically the fuel that keeps our body going. You wouldn’t pour a low-grade fuel into a Ferrari, would you? So, why should you eat junk? Treat your body like the precious vehicle that it is by eating right.

Eating right doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple things like taking an egg every day with superfoods, eating as many veggies as you can, can make all the difference. You can also read these carbofix reviews if you’re looking for a dietary supplement that aids the body in natural weight loss. (Hey, consult your nutritionist for more food advice 😉).

Although we all try to eat healthily and stay fit by exercising, sometimes it is hard to overcome your circumstances. So completing your routine with a histamine supplement can help you boost your overall immune health. 

9. Exercise and sleep on time

A doctor once said if all the benefits of exercise were in a drug, everybody would be using it. Get more physical. Move it. Even household chores like cleaning can provide the benefits of exercise.

Do you know that a simple 15-minute morning jog releases endorphins (happy hormones) which are an instant mood booster? Exercise can fill you with feelings of joy and euphoria? 

Go to bed early, cut out the distractions, end the conversation and just go to sleep. Start each day with your body well-rested. You’ll be surprised at the wonders a good night’s sleep will work for your physical, mental and emotional health. Being in a state of optimal health is a must for an overall sense of well-being.

10. Lighten up and laugh

Laugh out loud
Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Make You Really Happy

If you’re faced with one of those days when nothing seems to go right or the way you want it, why not laugh? Laugh, laugh, laugh some more. Watch funny videos, listen to funny songs, and just find a source of laughter. You will be shocked at how powerful it can be.

Laughter is healing, laughter is therapeutic. Do you know that Scientists have discovered that the act of laughing actually causes the brain to release powerful chemicals that act as antidepressants? Laughing often can even boost your immune system.

Laughter adds zest and sunshine to even the most miserable situation. If you can laugh, you’ll get through anything!

We all have things that we wish weren’t a part of our lives- illness, conflicts at work or home, financial struggles or even just tiresome traffic.

We might not be able to change external circumstances but we can certainly choose how we view and react to certain situations. Remember that the world does not revolve around you and that there are people whose situations are worse than yours.

So instead of being uptight and taking yourself too seriously, lighten up! Challenges are a big part of life and the best thing to do is to accept things the way they are.

Experience the relief of being able to laugh in the midst of difficult and frustrating situations. Make a point of lightening up every single day. Add a pinch of humour to your problems. A good laugh breaks the intensity of any situation and gives you a much-needed perspective and a sense of calm.

11. Restructure your home

A tidy home makes you happy

If you’re unhappy about the structure of your home, then that’s going to impact just about everything in your life.

If it’s constantly untidy then you may find it hard to concentrate.  Your mood is likely going to be constantly affected if you don’t like your home.

Making changes in your home can have a huge impact on your energy levels and motivation.

From clearing out the junk you don’t need to more significant changes like new flooring from somewhere like Carpet One flooring retail outlet, there are always plenty of things you can do to restructure your home.

It’s the kind of thing you might not ever think of but it can make a big difference.   

12. Determine your routine

Most people have a far more loose routine than they really should.

You end up going to bed far later than is sensible and end up feeling tired all day. Then you let certain chores fall by the wayside.

Having a clear routine that you follow every day can make it that much easier to get up in the morning and get on with your work with as much energy and motivation as possible.

You might think that these kinds of things aren’t that important.

The truth is, you may not realize the importance of certain things until you begin to see some side effects.

Have you once wondered where the time went and why you didn’t do much? I have felt that way a couple of times too.

Part of living a quality life is to create a constant routine that ensures that you get things done and that it’s flexible enough to be modified when the need arises.

Start with your morning routine. This is critical as it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

The first thing to do each morning is not to check your phone. Yeah, I know it’s easy to get carried away with all goodies of technology and social media but why not meditate or plan your day?

Work your needs, desires and responsibilities into creating a routine that works for you and fits your lifestyle.

#Tip: Create a beneficial morning ritual. Jog, listen to soothing music, pray or even read a few pages of a book. List the two most important things you wish to do and start doing them.

In conclusion, you are as happy as you want to be no matter your circumstances.

“ People are as happy as they make up their minds to be” – Abraham Lincoln.

Happiness is a state of mind. Make up your mind to be happy. Choose to smile from within despite life circumstances.

Succeeding in any aspect of your life and staying happy is always going to take some hard work and discipline. However, you can’t separate out the different aspects of your life, they all intersect with one another. You need to take care of them all.

I hope these lifestyle changes help you feel happy and motivated in life.

Which lifestyle changes did you make recently that made you happy?

What makes you happy as a person?

Feel free to drop your comments. 😉 

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Post Author: A Olufunmi Favour

A. Olufunmi Favour is a freelance writer who believes that great music, great food, books and love make the world go round. She also finds the worlds of fashion and business fascinating. She is a strong believer in the power of social impact and asserts that every individual can make a difference, no matter how small it is, in building a better world.

6 Replies to “12 Simple Ways To Be Happy With Your Life & Even Happier”

  1. This is a great list, there are so many good tips here. Simplifying your life can make such a huge difference in your happiness too.

  2. I love of your tips on this post and it can easily invoke happiness into one’s life. I’m a fan of gratitude journal and that’s my way of trying to live a life of gratitude and abundance. Reminding myself each and every time that there so many things to be grateful for!

  3. I totally agree on the simplify point! Get rid of all the excess and clutter, it can only distract you and drag you down!

  4. I loved this article, especially since this topic is a big part of my niche at Made You Smile Back. I couldn’t agree more with all your points. And yes I think the most important one of them is gratitude for what we already have. Well done!

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