Did you know that the US celebrated National I Want You To Be Happy Day on 3 March? Switching on happiness sounds like quite a tall order – especially when there are so many reasons for us to feel, well, less than content at present. That said, upping your happiness quotient may be easier than you think. Here’s how:
- Celebrate little victories. The true milestones in life – the massive achievements or life-changing moments – come around so seldom that we’d never have anything to celebrate if we waited for them. Even birthdays only happen once a year! So, instead, try to find something good to smile about every day: a great chat with your spouse, for example, or a compliment from a customer.
- Be in the moment. We’re hearing a lot about mindfulness since the onset of the pandemic, but it’s true: stress and anxiety come about by worrying about things that may happen in the future. Focus on what is in front of you, right now, and you’ll find it easier to keep a positive mindset.
- Don’t live beyond your means. This is a pretty simple – yet entirely practical – rule for living. Since so much of our stress comes from living beyond our means, one of the easiest ways to reduce that stress is by spending wisely.
- Be authentic. So often, we follow goals set for us by other people – and wonder why we don’t feel fulfilled when we achieve them. Have the courage to listen to your own heart and act on it – and you’ll reap the rewards of richer relationships and greater happiness as a result.