Jan 18, 2018 Written by Erynn LaFlamme
Being in my mid 20’s, many of my peers are reaching critical milestones such as beginning their careers, getting married, having children, buying their first homes, etc. These are the kinds of moments people dream about their entire lives. The problem is, to often do people feel once they achieve these milestones will they finally be “happy.”
“Happiness is an emotion, not a destination.” These words are something I have carried with me for as long as I can remember. As a human being, it is so important to understand that happiness will come and go in the same manner that sadness or anger will come and go.
One single promotion at work will not make the rest of your life easy, and the purchase of a fancy new car will not solve all of your problems. Sure, milestones make you happy at the moment, as they should, but if you could choose happiness everyday, wouldn't you?
Life happens, sometimes good and sometimes bad. However, choosing to be happy is a decision you have the power to make every single day. Here are a few ways to establish happiness for yourself every day:
Have a routine:
Whether it be going to the gym before work, or making your bed when you wake up, it is important to establish some small daily tasks that are easy to accomplish early on in the day. This will train your brain to conquer goals from the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep. You will also feel like you had a much more productive day
Read:
Reading allows you to think of the world from unlimited perspectives. It teaches you so much, and costs you nothing but a few bucks and your undivided attention. It’s similar to dreaming, it takes you to another world and gives you a break from reality. It’s so good for your brain.
Develop a Grateful Mindset
Train your brain to think about everything you are thankful for right after you wake up in the morning. You may want to do this by writing a journal, praying, or just through meditation. Either way, think deeply about what makes you happy and you will start your day off right.
Establish Hobbies
Don’t know what you like to do in your spare time? Try things. Go to an art class, learn how to sew, or watch a YouTube video about web development. Find ways to challenge your skills and activate your brain. Thought you might struggle at first, you will feel so great once you’ve learned something new.
Find time to relax:
This is a tough one for me in particular. Some say I’m anxious, but I like to think of myself as active. But I have found ways to calm my brain at the end of a long day. I enjoy watching Sex and the City reruns and drinking a glass of red wine. Judge me if you must, but hey, I know what makes me happy and how to reward myself after a successful day. You should try to do the same for yourself!
Choosing happiness is work. But new experiences that teach us who we are is what makes life beautiful and worth living! Start learning about yourself and about the things what will make you happy every single day.
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