Many people require a great number of things and/or substances in order to feel happy but is this real, lasting happiness or just a quick fix?
Sadly, it’s usually a quick fix situation and doesn’t contribute positively to long term joy and fulfillment. Certainly in the case of mind altering substances, including alcohol, the happy feelings are quickly followed by feelings of sickness and often a low mood while the body is doing its best to get rid of the poisons swimming around in the blood. Over time, the organs can be severely effected and pain, sickness and often depression become the norm requiring even more substances to try to feel happy. Sadly, this never happens and by then addiction rules and the person has a difficult journey ahead of them to find their way back to natural happiness.
It’s pretty easy to consume or take mind altering substances but how easy is it to be happy? Really happy, not just temporarily happy because we just ate chocolate cake, drank coffee, bought a new dress, new car or that great piece of jewelry we’ve been admiring for ages.
There’s instant gratification feelings of elation and there’s long term, deep inner happiness. I’ve had both and I now know which one I prefer, by far.
There’s no better feeling in the world (to me) than knowing I can create my own happiness out of nothing and nowhere just by thinking about it, practicing a few meditation and visualization techniques and following a healthy lifestyle that brings me deep contentment and fulfillment. Yes, it takes practice and a certain amount of discipline, but its well worth the effort – especially as your body is ageing rapidly every day you wake up to take another breath.
So here’s a few proven, helpful tips for creating lasting happiness: I highly recommend you do all, or at least some of these, each and every day.
Eat a healthy diet. Consume sugars and junk foods regularly and expect to feel unhappy. My preference is to stay away from all animal products because I feel happy avoiding cruelty in all its forms, but that’s an ethical choice for me however, many Dietitians, Doctors and Natural Health Practitioners now recommend a healthy vegan diet for long lasting wellness and vitality.
Get a good night’s sleep. Stay up late glued to the telly or computer and fall asleep half brain dead and you’re bound to feel pretty unhappy the next day. The brain requires plenty of peace and quiet in order to feel good.
Exercise daily. After a good brisk walk or a gym workout I always feel great. Even if I’ve not felt like dragging myself to the gym at the time, afterwards I’m so glad I did. Choose the type of exercises you enjoy and do them daily. A walk with the dog is rewarding for you and the dog!
Choose to earn your income doing something you love. Yes, this can take awhile to master but a mind numbing, boring job isn’t conducive to lasting happiness or fulfillment. If you don’t like your work, do the best you can each day, but make plans to change.
Learn how to earn an abundant income. Being wealthy won’t make you happy in itself, but being poor or struggling certainly won’t either. You can do much more for yourself and the world with an ample source of money.
Spend some time each day doing things you love. It’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and forget to put your own needs first to do things that you find fulfilling, rewarding and fun – just for yourself. If you’re constantly giving to others and not taking care of your own needs and wants effectively, you’ll have brain drain and possibly feel frustrated, annoyed, maybe overwhelmed and often resentful. Giving is great, but not at the expense of your own health and happiness.
Practice relaxation and/or meditation daily. Studies show that just 20 mins per day can bring about positive differences to your health and well-being and a calm, orderly mind makes better decisions, bringing more peace and less stress. Spend a minimum of 30 mins each day quietly on your own. If you think you can’t do that, then you need an hour!
All day every day, practice being grateful. Not just saying you’re grateful, (although that’s a good place to start) but actually feeling it. Be genuinely thankful for all the blessings in your life and keep your focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want.
Socialize with friends and family you like and who are uplifting to be around. If you have to spend time with people who are negative, critical or constantly complaining, do it less often and for shorter periods of time. I’d be asking myself do I really ‘have’ to be with these people or do I just feel obliged?
Learn new things continually. You can take up a short course, become a volunteer at a local charity, (be sure it’s something you enjoy!) read books and stretch your mind beyond your comfort zone and you can expect to feel great!
Life is about being happy, relaxed, fulfilled and excited about future opportunities. Yes, there will always be times of sadness and many big and small stresses to deal with along the way, but if you have the basics in place, the stressful situations will be easier to handle and far less disruptive to your lifestyle.
Choose happiness daily and Every Day Gets Better!
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