Habits to Add to Your Routine to Live Happy
Happiness isn't the same for everyone. For someone, it may be being with a favourite person or travelling the world, leaving worries behind. Or the freedom to pursue their dreams. Living a happier life is within reach regardless of your definition of happiness. A few tweaks to your habits can help you get there.
Habits do matter to all of us. If you've ever tried getting rid of bad habits, you know how engrained they are. In contrast, good habits can also be engrained. So why not strive to make positive habits parts of your daily routine?
Here’s a comprehensive look at some habits to help start your journey. Remember that not everyone's outlook for happiness is the same, so they struggle to achieve it. If any of these habits add stress to your life, ignore them. With practice and time, you will identify what does and doesn't work for you.
Daily Habits to Add Your Routine
Exercise
Exercise isn't only for your body. Exercise regularly can help lessen stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while encouraging self-esteem and happiness. Even a small physical activity can make a difference. You don’t need to be trained for swimming, cycling, or running – unless that's what makes you feel happy.
Add the following habits to your routine:
- Take a regular walk after dinner.
- Participate in beginner’s yoga class.
- Stretch for 5 minutes each morning.
Remind yourself of any activity you once enjoyed or always wanted to try, such as dance or golf.
Smile
You smile when you're happy. But it is a two-way procedure. We tend to smile to express happiness, which causes the brain to release dopamine. However, it doesn't mean you have to smile fake every time. Whenever you find yourself feeling low, smile.
Get Adequate Sleep
No matter how much you’re steered toward less sleep, you should know the need to get adequate sleep for emotional well-being and brain functioning. Adults should have 7 to 8 hours of sleep. If you find yourself needing a nap in the daytime, it means you need more rest.
Here are some tips for building a better sleep routine:
- Note down how many hours of sleep you take.
- Make a habit of sleeping and getting up simultaneously, including at the weekend.
- If you want to nap during the day, limit it to 20 minutes.
- Reserve an hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath or do something relaxing.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and calm.
Eat with Mood in Mind
Food choices impact your physical health. And some foods can also affect your state of mind. For example:
- Carbohydrates release the hormone "serotonin." Use carbs food to a minimum because you'll crash when the energy surge is short. Complex carbs, such as vegetables, beans, and grains, are good.
- Lean meat, dairy, and poultry are rich in protein. They release dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost energy and concentration.
- Deep-fried and processed foods make you feel down and often skip meals.
Therefore, start by making one better food choice per day. For instance, switch a breakfast croissant with fruit or Greek yogurt. You'll satisfy your sweet tooth, and protein will help you eliminate the mid-morning energy crash.
Weekly Habits to Add Your Routine
Declutter
It seems like a big project but setting aside 20 minutes a week can significantly impact it. What can you do in 20 minutes? A lot of things. Set a timer and take 15 minutes to tidy up a specific area of your room. Keep everything in its place or give away extra stuff that's no more in use.
Keep a box for giveaways to make things a bit easier. Use the remaining 5 minutes for a quick walk in your living room, putting away whatever stray items end up in your path. You can do this once a week when you feel like your space is getting out of control.
Plan Your Week
Try sitting down at the end of the week and making a list for the upcoming week. No matter what you do, managing some time for laundry, grocery shopping, or tackling a project at the workplace can help relax your mind. You can have a fancy planner, but a sticky note on your laptop can also do the job effectively.
Keep Aside Your Phone
Turn off all electronic gadgets and put them away for at least one hour a week. Unplugging for a while will make a huge difference. Take some time to let your mind wander. Go for a walk and pay attention to your surroundings.
Read Meditation
There are several meditations to read about. They can include movement, spirituality, focus, or a combination of all three. However, meditation doesn't need to be complicated. It can be as easy as sitting quietly for 5 minutes.
Monthly Habits to Add Your Routine
Take Yourself Out
Don't you have anyone to go out with? Well, who says you can't go out alone? You can visit your favourite restaurant, go for a movie, or go on a trip you've always dreamed of. Even if you're a social person, spending some time alone can help you connect with activities that make you feel relaxed.
Make a Thought List
You arrive at a place before time. What would you do in that spare time? Would you grab your phone to scroll through social media? Or worry about the busy week you have ahead? Take control of your thoughts during this time. At the start of the month, make a list of good memories or things you're on your phone or a piece of paper.
Reevaluate Your Goals
People change; therefore, consider where you're heading and if that's still where you want to go. There is no shame in changing your goals. Replace any purpose that no longer serves you, even if it seems beneficial.
