Self-reflection: Some points to ponder

10 Practical Ways to be Happy

‘Are you happy?’

Perhaps, this is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Every human being has ups and downs; good days and bad days, and that makes it almost impossible to be happy at all times.

Yet, this is also true, that everyone can maintain a state of ‘static happiness,’ in him or her in the form of a positive emotional state through some practical steps. This will help in improving mood, and joyfulness, and also in developing a better perspective towards life and its problems.

So, try these 10 practical ways.

Practice them regularly, and you’ll see an interstellar improvement in how much you enjoy your days and stay happy.

1. Meditate to Rewire Your Brain

Meditation and deep breathing techniques factually rewire your brain. They can improve your mood, focus, perspective, and of course, a state of happiness. Certain Meditation Techniques can uproot the real reasons behind sadness which are stress, depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Further, Meditation is also one of the most practical ways to stay in the ‘present moment’. Techniques like Mantra Meditation, Spiritual meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, and Vipassana Meditation, help seekers to see things as they are and recognize the ‘element of happiness’ in almost everything that transpires in day-to-day life.

Thus, start meditating from today. Once you start practicing it regularly, you’ll feel its positive impact on your mind, body and soul.

2. Practice Smiling

Smiling is also a way to improve your mood, and the level of optimism. It may help in reducing the emotional pain as well. And also try to add a few positive thoughts in your smile since it is a powerful combination that naturally results in cheerfulness.

3. Sleep Well

Anyone who has ever dealt with sleeplessness understands that it can affect your health on multiple levels. Lack of sleep negatively impacts your mood. It causes you to feel fatigued all the time and thereby leads to elevated stress. Poor sleep may make you more irritable and unhappy. People ignore their sleep as they work long hours or worry too much or due to any unavoidable circumstances.  Poor sleep is believed to be the root cause of many chronic health conditions.

Always try to get enough sleep at night. Improve your sleeping pattern by practicing good sleep habits. Sometimes quality sleep tends to be the single most influential factor in improving your mood and overall health.

4. Practice Gratitude

Start practicing it now and turn it into a habit by applying diligence and some work. An attitude of gratitude will have a positive impact on every aspect of your life.

Say thanks to God for this life; say thanks to your parents for helping and supporting you and say thanks to your Guru for showing you the right path in life. Be grateful for all that you have, for every morning.

Know that gratitude is strongly linked with ultimate happiness. It makes you feel optimistic, enjoy good experiences, improves health, helps you tackle adversities, and also build stronger and happier relationships.

5. Spend Time with your Loved Ones

Spend enough time with family or friends. This is the ultimate way to invite happy feelings in the mind. Your social connections, especially close friends or family, matter a lot because these are the people with whom you share your feelings & desires and share your problems.

Always try to build strong connections with meaningful relationships. And this will be possible when you become completely ‘egoless’ and nurture a compassionate heart within, one that understands others as one of his own.

6. Help Strangers

Everyone cares for their own kin but how many care for the strangers? One of the most powerful ways to feel good about yourself is to help those whom you even don’t know. Small acts of charity, social work or just an act of kindness towards someone, all go a long way towards making you feel happier.

7. Pursue your Passion in Life

Your daily activity becomes a large part of your life. The only way to feel contented every day is to do what you believe is good for you and something that brings positive outcomes. So, you must endeavor to find the true purpose of your life and keep working in that direction. However, if you are yet to find a purpose, keep looking for it by introspecting deeper.

Understand that the lasting pleasure and satisfaction comes from daily activities that bring about a state of ‘mindful engagement’- a state where you’re doing something that is rewarding and that engages your mind in a creative way.

Therefore, know your passion, pursue it, get engaged in realizing it and stay happy.

8. Physical Activity

Regular exercise is also one of the most powerful ways to uplift the mood. It produces natural endorphins, and happy hormones- dopamine and serotonin- in the brain, making you feel good and happy.

So, aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of planned physical activity at least 5 days a week. Spend some time in choosing an activity you enjoy and then develop a routine. A balanced activity plan including some cardio and strength training activities can boost your physical, mental and emotional health. A simple habit of walking daily is very helpful and boosts your positivity too.

9. Never Compare Yourself to Others

People often compare themselves to others and judge how good other people are doing in life. And sometimes they want to make compromises with their personal values to become like them. Unsurprisingly, it often leads to negative outcomes.

Always focus on yourself and your life. Know what would be right for you and take a wise decision.

Keep this in mind, you can be ‘anything’ but you can’t be ‘everything’ all the time. You are unique in yourself. Realize your own powers and do it naturally to live a happy life.

10. Forgive Others and Yourself, as Well

And finally, if you want to feel good, stay away from holding a grudge. Never let someone who has treated you badly have the power to take away your happiness. Forgive him or her and move ahead with your own priorities.

And also stop feeling upset about any decision made by you in the past. Do not overthink about mistakes but instead reflect on them only to learn for a better future. Forgive yourself and move ahead in life. You’ll find that peace and happiness is with those who forgive and forget the bitterness of life.

So, do not develop a habit of being sad all the time. Life is dynamic and a seesaw with ups and downs facing everyone. Be practical in life. Develop a positive outlook towards life through easy and practical ways. Follow them and lead a happy life. Connect with a source of inspiration every day to keep yourself motivated, positive and happy. The best thing about being happy is, you can keep others happy as well.