Happiness comes easy to some and seems impossible for others. But to live a happy life is something we can all do if we follow some simple rules. Below we have identified 6 ways to find happiness in your every day life.
Make friends
It has been shown that people with a wider social circle are happier. Along with family, friends form the backbone of one's live as they allow you more opportunity to talk, have fun and laugh. They are also a shoulder to cry on when things get rough; remember the phrase a problem shared is a problem halved? Well, with great friends helping you it's true. Friends know how you tick and what words of advice to offer when things get you down. So, find good friends and make sure you keep them.
Perform an act of kindness
People who help others are left with a feeling of self-satisfaction and an elevated sense of self-esteem. Research shows that generous people are happier people. So, whether this means helping an old lady across the road, giving money to a worth-while charity, smiling more at others, offering to help a friend or helping out more at home, remember, your act of selflessness will increase both your happiness and the happiness of others. Not only that, but your act of generosity is likely to find its way back to you when you need a little help in the future.
Find a purpose
People who feel like they have a purpose in life tend to be happier and are more capable of surviving the short term knocks that life can through at you. There are many ways to find purpose, including the role you play at work, bringing up a family, performing charitable work, volunteering in the community, to name but a few. Not only that but all these acts allow you to network and increase your social interaction with others, which in itself helps to promote happiness.
Keep photos
Taking and keeping photos has never been easier with the invention of the smartphone camera and social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. So, take as many photos as you can of yourself, family and friends, special occasions, past events you enjoyed and places you've visited. Looking back over old photos allows us time to reflect and reminisce about all the great times we've had and all the possibilities we have to look forward to in the future.
Limit the TV and Internet
Watching mindless TV can relax some people after a hard days work. However, it does nothing to stimulate one's imagination. So, rather than watch another episode of X Factor, Eastenders or the latest box set, pick up a book, go for a walk or meet up with friends; anything that will feel more worthwhile than being a couch potato. Similarly, surfing the internet, especially reading what one celebrity is doing with another celebrity, or who bought what and for how much is been shown to promote a feeling of worthlessness. In the same vein constantly visiting Facebook has been shown to lead to negative thoughts - being able to look back to the party you weren't invited to or how great your ex-partner looks with their new partner.
So, sure visit Facebook once a day, but limit that to only a few minutes and use the time to post your own fabulous photos.
Don't dwell on the past
Research has shown that dwelling on the past, particularly feeling guilty, causes anxiety and a sense of hopelessness. Clearly, this isn't a recipe that leads to happiness. Feeling guilty and anxious is likely to make you repeat the cycle again in the future, so, once something negative has happened, move on as quickly as possible and don't think about it again. To do this spend a few minutes a day thinking positive thoughts in order to boost your self-esteem and feelings of happiness.
We hope that these tips go some way to helping you feel happier. If you have other suggestions please feel free to post your ideas below.
