Many people search all of their lives for happiness, thinking it will come with the next job promotion or whatever. The truth is, happiness is in the journey, not the destination. We can be swept up in the world and what is expected of us and find ourselves miserable, but with just a few small changes to our daily routine, we can find and create our own happiness (tweet this).
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. - Martha Washington
If you incorporate the following five practices into your daily routines, your life will get better. I promise.
Breathe
Obviously, we do this 24/7, but few of us actually concentrate on our breathing. Taking a few moments every day to focus your attention on your own breathing is immensely healing. It can be just a few quiet moments in the morning over coffee or tea, standing under the shower, or before you start a new task at work. Always remember that if you can find these little spare moments in your day to sit for a moment and give full attention to the rhythm of your lungs doing their natural work, then you will find yourself more likely to be able to focus on other tasks one at a time.
Give thanks
Gratitude is not something inherently linked to any religious or spiritual practice, but it is important for our mental health. We may often find ourselves in a state of despair, but finding something to be thankful for can help adjust that thinking
Practicing this can center us and help us deal with the overwhelming emotions we may be experiencing. These things can be small or large, but it is important to sometimes look around and be able to determine the great things or people you have in your life as opposed to the things you may feel you are lacking. For example, right now, I’m thankful for the beautiful Texas sunshine.
Be kind to your body
It’s true that a routine of stretching can greatly improve your quality of life, even if that’s the only exercise you do. The act of taking just a few minutes a day and devoting them to the body that carries you around can be very, very healing. If you learn to love your body, most likely you will begin to feel a higher worth for yourself entirely. Understand that it is the only body you will ever have, so treat it kindly.
It might be a quick yoga routine, some meditation, a healthy meal or snack, or an indulgent treat. Taking a small bit of time to focus on your self can make the rest of the day so much more manageable (tweet this).
Have less
We live in a world that maintains such a sharp focus on consumerism. But even when we have so many things, many of us still feel empty. Do we really need 100 pairs of shoes or a $50,000 car? The answer is: no, we don’t. Focus on letting go of material things and instead value those things that make you the happiest. You are not how much you are worth. Often times being the most minimal can help me to feel less cluttered in my room and in my soul. If you have the things you need and focus less on the things you want, it helps to know your spending limits, what makes you happy, and will remind you that your friends and family matter more than anything else.
Have a safe space
I love to take showers. I can light a candle in the bathroom, turn up the water, and spend 20 minutes just breathing in the steam. It doesn’t matter that there is laundry to do or dishes in the sink. Create a space for yourself where you can spend some time just being. If it’s in the car, jamming out to music, or a reading nook, or even just a morning cup of coffee on the porch, have a space that’s just yours, that helps you gear up for the day, or even reflecting at the end of the day. These types of moments will help you remember that you are your own person, and aside from responsibilities for work, family, and just life in general, you matter too.
Photo credited to State of Connecticut
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