5 Ways to Cultivate Happiness
Did you know that March 20, 2021, is the International Day of Happiness? There have been so many challenges we have all faced over the past year. How can you cultivate happiness amidst all of these challenges? How can you prioritize you and your family’s wellbeing and quality of life? Read on for five ways to cultivate happiness, starting today.
For more info on the International Day of Happiness, click here.
“Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens.”
1. Focus on the basics
Taking basic care of yourself and your needs is a vital step on the journey to happiness. Eat healthy for the majority of the time. Get enough sleep. Improve your sleep hygiene if you’re struggling to get enough rest. Find what kind of movement works best for you and do it. This could include exercising at the gym, walking your dog, hiking, dancing, sports with friends, gardening, boxing, or yoga. Connect with others and loved ones. We humans are social creatures and social support is essential to reducing stress. Develop good boundaries with friends, family, coworkers, clients, and others around you.
2. Practice kindness
Do something for someone else. This past year, we have all had the chance to focus on ourselves and our own families. Practicing kindness and generosity can move the focus off of yourself and increase feelings of connectedness and happiness. Clear out your pantry or closet and donate your unused goods to a food bank or charity. Find safe but meaningful volunteer opportunities in your community. Call or send someone a message letting them know how much you appreciate or love them.
3. Self-care
What can you do for your own happiness? Try making a list of things you really enjoy or find meaningful. Then make time to do one of those things! Put it on your calendar and don’t let anything get in your way. This could include trying out a new bread recipe or feeding the ducks at the park. Or it could be taking a ceramics class or starting a new career. You are the expert on your own happiness—what do you need to be happy? What do you need to feel fulfilled? What gives your life meaning and brings you joy?
4. Gratitude
We talk about gratitude a lot here. It’s one of the simplest ways to take care of your mental and emotional health. It can also be one of the most effective. Focusing on the good can help rewire your brain to automatically look for things to be grateful for. Try writing down three things you’re thankful for every day. Let others know how grateful you are for them and your relationship. Look back on negative events in your life and try to find something positive that came out of that situation. For more info on gratitude, check out our blog post Gratitude During a Pandemic.
5. Therapy
There are a huge variety of mental health professionals available to support you as you work to develop a better way of life and find ways to cultivate happiness. Therapists can help you develop a mindfulness practice, figure out what really makes you happy, and support your journey to become the best version of yourself. Therapists can help you challenge yourself and address barriers to your wellbeing. At Sage House, we integrate various kinds of therapy including art therapy. Art therapy can be helpful for a variety of people and situations.
Are you looking for more support for your child or yourself? Please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
