We have the power within us to be happy. But how, when our circumstances are so chaotic?
Whether you’re facing a challenging relationship, a stressful job, or poor health (or all of the above) — it’s doable. Yes, it’s harder than if everything were roses and sunshine, but there are steps you can take to become happier.
10 Tips to Up Your Happiness
1. Choose
Choose to be happy. If you’re unhappy right now, that was probably pretty annoying to read. Start with smiling — especially if you don’t feel like it.
Smiling releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters responsible for making us feel happy, and they also lower stress.
2. Be gentle with yourself
If you did something that hurt yourself or others, be gentle; don’t beat yourself up.
Excessive inner criticism tears you down instead of building your strengths; it’s stressful and wears on your mood and health.
Think of yourself as your 4-year-old. If you see a 4-year-old stumble and fall, what do you do? You gently help them up. Show yourself the same kindness — gently pick yourself up and move forward.
3. Speak your truth
Express your truth and be you. Let nobody shut you down. Be respectful yet firm, and never attack anyone personally.
4. Have a “spirit conversation”
Maybe someone is out of reach to talk with — emotionally or by distance. Talk to them anyways. Just talk in your mind with the intention of connecting with them on a spiritual level.
This is great to do before crucial conversations or when you need to forgive someone or ask for forgiveness. This works well when you’ve had an argument with someone, and also with hard-to-communicate-with teens.
5. Get clear on what makes you happy
This may feel challenging if you’ve never done it. Dig deep. Lasting joy usually involves relationships and experiences. It’s not usually about material things.
Grab a piece of paper and brainstorm 10 free activities that bring you joy. You can also write down another 10 that do cost money.
What helps you feel re-energized and at peace? What makes you feel alive and cared for? Do these activities at least once a week.
6. Compartmentalize
Repetitive thoughts drive chaos. What are things you are stewing over continually? Write them down. Are these things you have control over? If not, let them go. Constant worry doesn’t help; it only hurts.
If you need to purge thoughts, write them out in full passion and then burn the paper. Let them go.
If you do have the ability to change or control them, make a plan and take action. If you can’t take action yet, choose a time of the day think about it. When the thought comes up, gently remind yourself that you can think about this, say from 4-5pm.
7. Go outside
Surround yourself with beauty — in both people and your surroundings. Who do you love to be with? Who loves you and supports you? Who inspires you? What places bring you peace?
Chaos in our physical spaces translates into chaotic thoughts and vice versa. Create a special space where you can go for peace. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. Connect with yourself, with God, and with people who lift and love you.
8. Love yourself
Love yourself the way God loves us, a godly love. This kind of love is sweet, nurturing, forgiving and abundant. This kind of love promotes self care. It promotes looking outside of oneself and caring not only for yourself, but others as well. It is about being in balance with what we give and receive. Loving yourself helps you realize your amazing worth. Also important is. .
9. Gratitude
Focus on your blessings. So often our attention is fixated on the “negatives”. Focusing on gratitude opens yourself to positivity. It takes us out of the pit and puts our feet on the ground with a new frame of mind. In every bleak circumstance there is something in life to be grateful for. Focus on that.
I make it a point to write each morning something I’m grateful for and expand on it. This helps me stay in a grateful state of mind. You can use a journal, your planner, or notes on your phone.
10. Shed negative energy
Take your hand in front of you at your pelvic area and lift your hand (cupped) up and over your head. Set the intention for love and light to protect you. This will help protect you from negative energy you come in contact with..
Also, set the intention each day to cut any negative cords that you have sent out energetically or others have sent to you.
Fluff out and expand your energy by rolling your arms down and around the front of you in a large circle. Sun salutations (lifting your arms out wide and then over your head) help expand your energy field as well.
