Do you find yourself stuck in the same routine? To get out of the rut, start by being kind to yourself. This might seem self-explanatory, but the majority of people try to find happiness by pursuing unrealistic goals or holding themselves to unattainable standards.
However, doing small things to make yourself happy every day can help you reach long-term goals, according to Daylle Deanna Schwartz, speaker, columnist, and author. In other words, the happier you are, the more confident you’ll feel in work, relationships, and everyday life. So, what steps can you take to make yourself happy each day?
Get enough sleep.
Getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night is critical to leading a happy, productive day. In fact, failing to sleep enough can lead to reduced alertness, general health issues such as obesity, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try taking a warm shower or bath right before going to bed and putting your phone away.
Declutter your space.
We tend to clutter our homes and workspaces with things we think we need—but accumulating stuff can ultimately harm our mental and emotional health The good news is that reversing these harmful effects is as easy as decluttering your space, which only takes a couple of minutes each day.
Instead of filling your space with clutter, bring the outside indoors with houseplants. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, creating a small indoor garden can create a living space that feels soothing to spend time in. In addition to boosting your mood, plants can also help fight loneliness and depression. Think about it—caring for a living thing gives you a purpose and feels rewarding, especially when you’re able to see it bloom and thrive. If you’re not sure where to start, split leaf philodendron plants—also known as monstera deliciosa—are easy to propagate and easy for beginners.
Spend time with loved ones.
Although staying in touch with family and friends via phone calls and emails is always important, research has shown that physical interaction is significantly more beneficial to overall health and happiness. Think about how good you feel after grabbing dinner with a friend or going on a date with your partner—there’s nothing quite like it.
If your schedule allows, aim to spend time with a loved one at least three times each week. If you’re having trouble connecting with others or looking to expand your social network, try searching for groups online to connect with people who share your interests and hobbies.
Unplug from social media.
It’s easy to get lost scrolling through Facebook or Instagram during downtime, but research has shown that frequent social media use can significantly harm mental health. Taking time to unplug from social media can give you the opportunity to catch up on news, listen to a thought-provoking podcast, or read a book.
Practice self-care.
The happiest people intentionally go out of their way to treat themselves right and do nice things for themselves. When you practice self-care, you enjoy a number of health benefits—from reduced stress levels and increased positive thinking to heightened immunity. Take some time each day to do something that brings you joy, whether that’s exercising, baking, or reading.
If you’re having trouble being kind to yourself during these tough times, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Becoming a happier person isn’t always a linear process—but the mental health professionals on the WithTherapy platform can help you develop healthy coping strategies, live in the present moment, and find emotional strength. Whether you’re interested in cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy, withtherapy.comcan connect you with a therapist you feel comfortable with, regardless of your personal preferences and requirements.
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