It seems everything is a challenge nowadays - even being happy!
Everyone’s path to happiness is different, but the evidence suggests these ten steps consistently tend to have a positive impact on people’s happiness and well-being. I’ve challenged myself to more unpleasant things in the past and being happy is a decision so why not challenge myself once more?
Day 1
Being grateful- I’ve kept a gratitude journal — lately turned it into a “journal, journal” to improve my writing skills. This was recommended by a fellow Medium writer some time ago. Excellent recommendation — grateful for it. The best part of the gratitude habit is that I spend the day looking for things I’m grateful for- it has completely changed the way I think about life. Some days I’ve written that I’m grateful for being grateful. Recent research shows that regularly experiencing feelings of gratitude creates an ‘upward spiral’, helping to build our resources.
Day 2
Stop comparing yourself to others — “Comparison is the thief of joy” — never heard this phrase before but it makes a lot of sense. We don’t value ourselves enough- just for ourselves.
Day 3
Reduce your Social Media consumption — I’ve been working on this for a couple of months. Not easy. Fighting the “urge” to look at what’s going on there took determination and will. I never thought of Social Media as a form of comparison (the thief of joy)and it is exactly that.
Deleting the app is way too drastic a step for me but I’ve limited my social media “screen time” to 5–10min in the morning and about 20 minutes before bedtime. So far, it seems to be working and I find I have more creative time throughout the day.
Day 4
Accept what is happening to you now, unconditionally — This reminds me of a mantra I’ve been using for the last 6 months which has brought me a lot of peace: “I am exactly where I need to be”.
To me, there is a certain peacefulness to thinking that everything that happens is supposed to happen no matter what. I try to find a lesson or a reason to any situation that may be happening at the moment or a silver lining for whatever is causing it. Many times I have found it. Not right away but some time after the event, I see the reason why it happened. If you don’t look or ask, you don’t find or get, right?
Yes, this certainly gets easier when you start practicing it.
Day 5 — Meditate- I have to say I saw this one coming. I’m a novice at it but I have to admit I feel better when I do it. I’m still struggling with keeping my thoughts of everything I have going on from my ideal “calm” state. I attend a group meditation once a month and occasionally use guided meditations on YouTube. There are many meditation apps available now.
I go on walks regularly because I maintain a 15 mile a week walking average in an effort to stay in shape and eat desserts whenever I want to. Yes, the walks have many benefits.
Day 6
Find an exercise you enjoy — I’m a big believer in this. Exercise has played a BIG role in my life in the last 5–10 years. I started with walking my dog then moved on to some running then trained for a half marathon (this was a big goal. I ran/walked a total of four half marathons and decided to continue walking long distances on a regular basis. I also ride a bike for 10–15 miles twice a month for fun and a different exercise. Exercise has played a big part in keeping me physically and mentally healthy.
Day 7
Make your bed- A Lifelong habit as it was engrained by my upbringing. There hasn’t been a day that I don’t do this. There are some surprising benefits to making your bed every day. It starts your day off right and encourages you to keep your room tidy. This leads to increased productivity with less stress and an improved mood. It just looks and feels better.
Spend time with a loved one -This is one that I’m consciously trying to do lately. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience. I’m always glad I did it when it’s over. Making others happy is the best kind of happiness.
Day 9
Declutter- This is definitely a mood enhancer- clean house, clean mind. I find myself doing this over and over again and it always works. My life is in perpetual recycling mode at all times. I’ve become a minimalist over time due to this process. This is BIG!
Day 10
Learn something new — I try to do this as often as I can , although not every day. I read and listen to audiobooks while walking or on my drive to work and sometimes a podcast. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and helps boost my self-confidence.
So there you have it. I have to say the ten days went by quickly and I can’t say I didn’t have time to be happy. There are definitely habits I will continue to practice. I’m so glad I decided to take the challenge on. If I’m gonna live my life, I’m committed to living it to the happiest degree I can. And so should you!
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