More often than not, do you feel truly happy?
If your answer is no, that’s something we need to fix.
Um, yeah. Fix all of my life problems? I’ll get on that right away.
I’m going to ignore your delightful sarcasm and make a disclaimer here: your life will never be perfect in the strictest form of the word. Life will inevitably throw you some curveballs, and sometimes, it might be difficult to be happy. But if you’re not happy the majority of the time, that’s something we need to work on.
But how do I just “become” happy?
Happiness is not far out of your reach. It’s all about mindset. But there are also a few little tricks you can try to help keep you feeling cheery and blessed.
How to Become Happy
1. Surround yourself with positive people
It turns out happiness is, indeed, contagious. According to one study published in BMJ, researchers found that “clusters” of happy and unhappy people exist, meaning that those who are surrounded by happy people are more likely to become happy, while those who are close to unhappy people are not.
Rid yourself of toxic people in your life, and you’ll have an easier time finding true happiness.
Related: The Power of Positive Thinking
2. Get a furry friend
One of the biggest health benefits of having a pet is the effect a pet can have on stress levels. In a study by Karen Allen, Ph.D., participants had to mentally solve math problems. Their heart rates and blood pressures were monitored when their pets were in the room, as well as when their spouses, family, and friends were in the room. The participants were calmer in the presence of their pets.
Your pet can help keep you stress-free so that you can have some peace and live a happy life.
Related: How to Manage Stress Without Alcohol or Drugs
3. Smile
If you’re feeling blue, just force a smile. No, I’m not kidding. According to a study done by researchers at Cardiff University, the expressions we make can affect our emotions, so a smile all by itself can inspire some happiness. It might feel ridiculous, but after you cheese it up a bit, you might actually start to become happy yourself.
4. Eat right…
We at Inspiyr always encourage healthy habits, and for many reasons. One of them is in regards to your mood. Nutritious eating will help regulate your body, including your mood. In the long term, research suggests that good nutrition will keep your body—including your brain chemistry—regulated and healthy.
Don’t believe me? Think about it short-term—if you eat a big slice of cake, you might be happy because of the taste as you’re eating, but as soon as you’re finished, you’ll likely feel sluggish and sad. On the other hand, if you eat a really tasty salad, you’ll feel happy during as well as after. Get those fruits and veggies in you!
Related: 37 Superfoods to Start Eating Today
5. …and work out!
Get your body moving to keep a smile on your face.
But working out will just make me tired and sad, won’t it?
Nope! On the contrary. Working out regularly will help get those wonderful endorphins pumping, which make you feel good and happy—and even more energetic. The long-term effects of regular exercise combined with healthy eating will help you feel and look good.
Related: 7 Ways to Get Motivated to Exercise
6. Pursue your passions
Ask yourself two questions. First of all, what do you love to do? And, more importantly, are you doing it? Many might know the answer to the first immediately, but yet still answer no to the second. Whether it requires an extra half hour or so to dedicate to a hobby or an entire change of career path, pursue your passions because your passions will help you become happy.
7. Count your blessings
According to studies, gratitude is linked with well-being and happiness. Expressing your gratitude and keeping in mind all that you are thankful for will help you to concentrate on the positive and good in your life.
Related: 4 Easy Steps to Happiness
The Takeaway
The true tragedy of life is that many people are not happy in their lives. They become too preoccupied with their problems to truly remember their blessings. However, contrary to what you might believe, there are ways to become happy.
By surrounding yourself with positive people (and removing the toxic ones), getting a pet, smiling more often, eating right, exercising regularly, and pursuing your passions, you can live a life of true happiness and bliss—life problems and all.
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Sammy Nickalls is the Content Manager at Inspiyr.com. She is an avid health nut and a lover of all things avocado. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest.
Photo by amorphes ding