Today is all about how you can choose happy. There are 8 componenets to self care and all to often we only focus on one ot two areas and this can still leave us feeling unfulfilled, tired or lacking something. I am on a real journey into wellbeing at the minute and making sure that I am looking after my whole self, as if I don’t who will?
The 8 areas of self care are physical, psychological, emotional, social, professional, environmental, spiritual, and financial. In this post I am thinking about emotional self care and how we look after our own emotions.
Is happiness a choice you can make each day? The answer is yes. Abraham Lincoln once said “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be” and there is some truth in that.
While there is no quick and easy fix to choose happy, especially if you are feeling particularly vulnerable with your mental health, but there are actions and choices you can make each day that can help you to choose to be happy, rather than other feelings that could be holding you back. So what can you do? Here are some suggestions to help you choose happy today.
Gratitude
Gratitude is often something we know we should express more but can fail to do if we are not in the best mindset. However, choosing to be thankful for even the smallest of things each day can make a massive difference. Try and challenge yourself at the end of the day to think of three things to be grateful for. A hot cup of tea, time with the family, hitting a deadline, it could be anything. It will soon become a habit. My grateful printable will help you focus on this and help you choose happy.
Smile
Choosing happiness is the topic of today’s discussion. But, is it possible to choose happiness every day? Yes, this is realistic. “A good percentage of people are about as happy as they decide to be,” Abraham Lincoln reportedly observed, and there is a reality to that statement.
Being happy is not a fast and simple process, particularly if you are experiencing a period of vulnerability in your mental health. However, there are acts and decisions you can major on daily to assist you in making that decision.
Smiling is a better approach to the happiness journey. When you smile, your brain produces tiny molecules known as neuropeptides that aid in the reduction of stress hormones. Moreover, faking or forcing a smile has been shown to improve your mood and gladness level. Along with this, dress in clothing that makes you happy.
Therefore, you feel more at ease when you have a confident grin on your face, and it helps you create a fantastic first impression. You may project confidence and professionalism even when you’re not trying to be sincere. The assumption is that when you portray a pleasant impression, people believe you are smarter and possess stronger guidance abilities. Therefore, it is time to get a smile makeover for long-lasting happiness.
I have recently had a bit of a wardrobe revamp and I am loving a few new pieces I have reviewed from Femme Luxe that offer the latest looks and co ord sets. Firstly a shacket covers a multitude of sins. It adds a spring-summer vibe to outfits that require a like jacket but not a heavy coat. This is ideal for doing the shopping in when you don’t want a jumper or coat but just need that extra layer.
I chose the Sage Check Print Oversized Button Up Pocket Shacket. Featuring a cosy oversized fit in a check print material, metal popper button up fastenings and a self-fabric patch pocket, it is ideal with jeans, trainers and a t-shirt.
I have also got some new grey loungewear including a pair of utility joggers. These are ideal for pulling on after a day at work when you just want to be comfy the joggers have a drawstring high waist, an oversized fit, three utility pockets and a cuffed hem. I really liked the blue colour of these and the pockets add a nice detail to joggers to make them a little more interesting. Or in my case, I wear them when I am reading and doing my prep for the coaching course I am studying.
Daily affirmations are powerful
Daily affirmations are great to help encourage you to think more positively. They are a great way to retrain your thinking, and they are often linked with how you want to feel. They are always said in the first person, so start the phrase with “I am” or simple “I” and then finish it with what is relevant to you. For example”
“I am a strong person”
“I am releasing negative thoughts”
“I am capable‘
I choose happy’
“I trust myself”
“I have as much brightness to add to the world as the next person”
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to rebalance your thoughts and take some time to be in your own company. Meditation can be a hard thing to grasp at first, especially if you haven’t done it before. So using guided meditations that you can listen to can be very helpful. Many people suggest meditation as a way to release negative thoughts.
Increase water intake and eat healthily
There is no doubt that an increase in water intake and eating healthier can help you to feel happier. It is about making a choice to nourish your body with the good things that it needs to function. An increase in water alone can help to improve your energy levels and mood, and eating healthily will help you to have all of the nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to function.
Exercise
Many of us know that exercise is good for us, and is essential when it comes to taking care of our mental health, but it can also help us to feel happier. Exercising means that we release natural endorphins that get pumped around our bodies. Have you ever heard of someone talking about that post-workout high? Well, this is it. It is a choice to exercise and move your body, but by doing so you are giving yourself the best possible chance to feel happier from within. Plus working on your fitness levels will have added benefits in other areas of your life and for your body.
Treat others well
Have you heard the phrase “treat people as you wish to be treated?” When it comes to happiness and making a choice to be happy this one can be crucial. Feeling down, angry and hurt might mean that you react in that way to others. A great tip is to try and treat others well and how you would want to be treated yourself. Talk kindly, speak highly of people and remain positive. You will start to get back what you put out there.
Seek out the benefits
Finally, this might be the hardest thing to actively do, but one that is important. Let’s face it, nobody can be happy 100% of the time. Life will have ups but it can also have downs, and things can go not as you would expect. We can all feel hurt and pain for many different reasons.
However, if you are experiencing a particularly low point, try and seek out the benefits. As people say “This too shall pass” and seeking out the positives even in your darkest of times, even if it is just getting up and persevering, will help you to create a healthier and happier mindset moving forward.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to choose happiness each day, you can also learn more on this by reading about the law of attraction. This really helps you manifest and live better, reading The Secret will help you understand more on this.
