Today we’re uncovering daily habits for increased happiness. Because the reality is the majority of us are unhappy.
Unhappiness. Some say it’s our greatest epidemic of our day. In fact, statistics show that nearly 50% of Americans are unhappy at work and less than one-third of people describe themselves as “very happy.”
That means that nearly 70% of the American population are considered unhappy.
To me, this is one of the most startling statistics we are faced with. Not just because the majority of the population is walking around in a less than exciting trance, but that this is a direct relationship to our overall health. Yes, stress {happiness} is one of the biggest factors underlying health and one that is hard to measure and impossible to fight against.
The bottom line, happiness is a make it or break it factor in our health. Not to mention what fun is living without happiness?
Today on the podcast I am beyond excited to have a very special guest who has lived to make her life happier with simple and easy steps, Sarah Von Bargen. Sarah is the founder of the site Yes and Yes helping people all over the globe have more fun. Her slogan states, “Because yes is more fun than no,” and she shows us exactly how to do this in a chaotic and busy world.
Make sure you listen to the podcast to live with increased happiness and change your mentality for life. It is so easy you will be shocked. Click below to listen!
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happiness habits
You’re going to want to make sure you listen to the podcast to get all of the tips on creating a happiness list and finding out what really makes you go round. Once you do that, I just want to touch on how to creates daily habits for increased happiness.
This really comes down to a choice. A choice in how we react to daily life, how we respond and what we fill our day with. In fact, some experts say our greatest indicator of mental health is the ability to understand choice and take charge of it. While not everyday is fun, in fact there may be many days you dread, but inside each day we can choose to find happiness.
I know this can be difficult in the perfect world of social media and the need to make everything Pinterest-worthy but the reality is it boils down to knowing you. Accepting you, loving you and being okay with just being you. To be proactive in your day rather than reactive. Choosing to make happiness a part of it.
In the show Sarah helps us to find what really makes each of us happy and how to make proactive decisions so happiness can be found in the everyday moments. But for now lets dig into daily habits you can incorporate for increased happiness.
5 daily habits
Lets just clear the air here, these habits are intended to be created personally. Not based on my desires, or your perfect feed on IG but strictly on what makes you tick, what lights up your heart and mostly what is realistic for you. So lets get started.
Tip 1: Choose to be happy
Genetically speaking {sorry for the nerdy health rant} some of us are actually predisposed to be happier {less worrysome} than others. Knowing this, some of us {myself included} need to try just a little bit harder to be happy. But the reality is happiness doesn’t just strike us by luck.
People who radiate happiness actually make a conscious decision to do so regardless of the circumstance. The “glass-half full” people. Living with optimism refusing to grumble over daily realities we can’t control, like other peoples attitudes, traffic or the continuous “what-if’s” of life.
While of course this choice may be easier said than done, the reality is, it is that simple. The more you practice, the more you choose and the more you radiate happiness, the easier it becomes. You are what you think.
Tip 2: Practice Happiness
The only way to become an expert at something is to put it into practice. This means in order to become happier, you actually have to make a conscious effort to do so. To “bank it” as Sarah says. To pay attention to what makes you happy, make lists and go back to those things.
Practicing happiness for a set period of time every single day is the only way to develop happiness habits that last. Even more practice gratitude. Remembering what blessings you have in your life, those things that fill you up can change your outlook and perspective. Bask in the positivity of life.
Tip 3: De-clutter your life
Some call this minimalism others call it practical. I call it simplicity. No matter what it is, chaotic life situations can create stress. Stress ultimately sabotages our happiness {and health}. Go through each area of your life, from your home environment, work environment and even those relationships.
Start to declutter your closets, drawers, under-schedule your life and get rid of toxic relationships. Set yourself up for success by creating space to live it out.
Tip 4: Give Happiness
Like they say, a smile can be heard around the world. A universal code for joy is a simple smile. It’s radiant and contagious and can go a long ways in encouraging continual happiness to flow from your life.
Naturally we’re beings designed to serve, to give and in that are more fulfilled. It’s how we were designed to live in community. The more happiness, kindness, and love you share most likely the more you will get in return. This return then fills your pot banking it for future days.
Tip 5: Be Yourself
Maybe the most difficult of all in the world of overwhelming messages is to be yourself. Happiness comes in multiple different forms and Sarah breaks this all down in the podcast. But don’t just settle for what you think should bring you happiness or what brings others happiness. Know yourself, be real and do what lights you up.
You may be surprised that a Netflix date on your couch is enough or a simple trip to the dog park with your beloved pooch. Be honest, be real and keep track. The only way to be happy is to know what really makes you happy. One day at a time.
make your list
There’s no time like the present to start living with more happiness. As I mentioned in the beginning, happiness is the foundation of health. In fact, research indicates that happy people are more successful, have more resilience and better coping skills, higher immunity, decreased risk of heart disease and maintain a healthier weight.
But we don’t need to be scientists to physically feel the health and lifestyle benefits that a little more smiling offers.
So start making your happiness list. Bank it, live it and feel the different.
Make sure you listen to the podcast and let us know, what is your top-five things on your own happiness list? Leave a comment below and make sure you check out Sarah’s website here.
resources from the show
Make sure you check out Sarah and all of her work at her site Yes and Yes!