How many times have we done an online search about how to keep our significant other happy? Or others in general – parents, parents-in-law, teenagers. But, conversely, it’s rarely a search to keep ourselves happy, when in fact, this should be the first thing we’re trying to master, since, as the saying goes – If you can’t love yourself, how are you going to love someone else? Hopefully, the last year spent mainly in quarantine has shown us just how much love we need to show ourselves and what is truly important in our lives. Read on to discover some simple but highly effective ways to keep yourself happy, ultimately leading to happiness for all those around you.
Make Me Time
Sure, we’ve all been told countless times that it’s imperative we take the time to show ourselves some love. The old “Treat Yourself.” But there’s a lot of truth to this. We have to show ourselves affection, which can look different to everyone. For some of us, that may be as easy as making sure we get a pedicure and manicure a couple of times a month. For others, it means full-blown retail therapy. There is nothing wrong with either of these approaches, especially if you have the budget for it. But, enjoying time with yourself also looks like keeping a journal, going for a walk, or preparing your favorite meals for yourself. Make sure that every day you are giving to yourself, not just giving to others. If you struggle with this, make a commitment and a list of things you want to do for yourself. Commit to checking boxes off of the list until it becomes a daily practice to take the time to honor yourself.
Let’s Get Physical
There is a double meaning here. Firstly, get literally physical. Take time to enjoy whatever type of physical activity you want. If you’re not sure what kind of exercise works for you, try multiple types until you find a good fit for your personality and lifestyle. You don’t have to become an avid runner or someone doing cardio five days a week. Simple stretching or light yoga can do wonders for your mind. The second avenue of getting physical you need to explore is sexual. Giving yourself this type of pleasure releases powerful hormones and chemicals in your brain that keep you relaxed and optimistic. Whether you commit to spicing things up with your partner with adult sex toys or buy the toys for yourself, it’s essential to make sexual satisfaction a part of your life. No one ever looked back on their life and wished they’d had less physical intimacy.
It’s the Food
What we eat has a powerful impact on our overall health. Most people understand that our food is our medicine but don’t apply it on a daily basis. Eating mindfully recognizes that what we put in our body, literally everything, directly impacts our overall health and well-being (both physical, emotional, and mental). So, make sure you’re eating your rainbow. You want to eat a primarily whole foods-based diet and avoid processed foods whenever and wherever you can. The beautiful part about honoring your body by monitoring the things you put in is that you feel less guilt when you indulge while out to eat or on vacation. You recognize that the treats are just that, treats. Try a Whole30 challenge, and you’ll realize the immediate benefits. If you feel like you need more accountability to make a change, consider starting the challenge with a friend or family member to keep one another motivated.
Give Back
Studies have shown time and time again that those who are generous with their time, knowledge, and money are happier people than those who are not. Maybe you don’t have a ton of extra money to donate to those who are in need, but we all, for the most part, have some time we can contribute. It’s worth it for yourself and, more importantly, for those who need help to give back to your community. You could volunteer at a local food bank, a boys and girls club, or simply clean up litter in your community. A simple online search can show you how many areas of your community need help, and you can choose one that seems most important to you. The point is to have a positive impact on the world around you, which ultimately leads to a massive positive impact on yourself.
The journey to self-contentment and happiness seems easy for some people and harder for others, but the truth is, it’s a choice that we make every day to try and make ourselves, thus the world, a better place. And, what we all need right now is to feel connected and supported by one another. Now, go forth and get happy!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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