3 Ways to Foster Happiness
Happiness is not a thing in which falls upon us, but is something we can choose everyday in the light of our difficulties. We do have the power to choose happiness by fostering it into our lives. There are many ways to increase our happiness, but here are just a few:
1) Gratitude
The simple act of being grateful is a powerful thing; however it takes intentionally. Depending on your personality, a simple morning or night routine can assist you in making time to reflect on the things you are grateful for. In my life often times I will wake up, drink my morning coffee and write down a few words about my gratitude. I have found myself being less indulgent, more kind and happier. It is because in moments like these you are reminded of what you have instead of what you don’t have.
2) Moments of Silence
This is asking you to stop and rest for a hot second. We live our lives out LOUD - whether on social media, through music, in our conversations, our actions (student, professional, parent, etc.) or felt through our emotions. This is calling you to remove yourself from the busyness of the day, no matter where or what you are doing, and remind yourself that you are a person. We are human BEINGS, not human DOERS. Often times I will practice a moment of silence in the car. I will intentionally pause before I move onward to the next thing. I usually take about 60secs for myself. This has allowed me to transition better, lowering my stress and permitted me to be more present with myself (uncovering where I am at that moment, if tired, angry, hungry, energized, etc.). These moments of silence can be fit into your life style (short or long), but no matter what you will find a great impact.
3) Playfulness
This is probably one of my favorite things to do – become like a child again. Adulting can be so difficult and depending on where you are in the process it can even have more challenges and stressors. However no matter where you are, in this life we are called to LIVE it and ENJOY it and one way of doing that is having a mind that is playful. As dorky, silly (and semi-embarrassing) as it might be at times you will find these moments so good for the soul. Once again, depending on you, you can be playful by taking a 3min dance party with your loved ones, play a fun prank on a co-worker or even take on a funny accent for a short-period of time.
My encouragement to you is to take happiness into your own hands.
What will you make time for?
