Seven Ways to Live a Happier Life

Lately, it seems like I’ve been living life in the fast lane. I thought summer time was supposed to be sweet and easy? And how on earth is next week already July?!?! Anyone else feeling me? Whether its work, life changes or a busy schedule that has you down here’s a couple of things you can do to improve your daily life! Trust me, these are small but after a week of incorporating them into my daily lifestyle my outlook has been changed… for the better 🙂

1. Get out in nature

You probably seriously underestimate how important this is, I know I did! Being in nature reduces stress, makes you more creative, improves your memory and may even make you a better person. Get out and appreciate the sun rising, the beautiful summer flowers blooming and the birds chirping!

2. Exercise

We all know how important this is, but few people do it consistently. Other than health benefits too numerous to mention, exercise makes you smarter (check), happier (check), improves sleep (check), and makes you feel better about your body (check). Seems like win, win, right? Even during my busiest weeks, I try to exercise at least 5 days a week. Sometimes, that may mean waking 45 minutes early or even getting in a 30 minute workout during lunch. I promise, you will thank yourself later!

3. Spend time with friends and family

Relationships are worth more than you think. Not feeling socially connected can make you feel unwanted. Loneliness can lead to heart attack, stroke and diabetes. The longest lived people on the planet all place a strong emphasis on social engagement. Good Great relationships are more important to a long life than even exercise. Friends are key to improving your life (your best ones hold you accountable). Want to instantly be happier? Do something kind for them, something as small as a “I’ve been thinking about you” text or a sending snail mail 🙂

4. Express gratitude to those around you

It will make you happier. It will improve your relationships. It can make you a better person. It can make life better for everyone around you.

5. Get enough sleep

You can’t cheat yourself on sleep and not have it affect you. Being tired actually makes it harder to be happy. Lack of sleep = more likely to get sick. “Sleeping on it” does improve decision making. Lack of sleep can make you more likely to behave unethically. There is such a thing as beauty sleep (amen). Naps are great too! Naps increase alertness and performance on the job, enhance learning ability and purge negative emotions while enhancing positive ones. So for all you 8 hour + nappers, it’s okay you are doing it right!

6. Just laugh

I like to think of laughter like a daily vitamin, WE all need it! Sure, it’s fun to share a good laugh. But did you know it can actually improve your health? It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. By seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, it’s been said one finds greater happiness—and it even add years to your life. It’s been said, “Laughter is the BEST medicine!”

Last but not least…

7. Pray

Daily prayer is the key to developing and maintaining an intimate relationship with our Creator. It’s an opportunity to share all aspects of our lives with God, and express our praise and gratitude for all the blessings that He has provided. Prayer is a chance to open up about our sins and ask for His help in forgiveness in overcoming them, which is just the breathe of fresh air we often need to lift that burden off our shoulders. Prayer and frequent interaction with God build our faith and trust in Him, and there is no greater form of happiness than the love of our almighty Father. Along similar lines, meditating can make you feel better if you’re not religious.

There are numerous ways that we all uniquely find happiness, yet the ebbs and flows of life keep us so constant and busy that we often get so caught up in our daily routines that it’s easy to forget the little things. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and just need to stop and take a breath, remember the little things. I’d love to hear about the things that make you the happiest! A happier life is a healthier life! Happy weekend, my friends!

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