Four steps to happiness

Brighten your day and create your own happiness with the following steps.

Eating healthily and exercising are key for vitality and well-being, yet we sometimes forget that spending time focusing on things that make us truly happy are just as essential for keeping us healthy.

According to a study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, happiness can have quite a significant impact on overall health and well-being.

In particular, it has been found very effective for reducing cortisol levels – the stress hormone that is linked to health conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

So in order to make the most of these health benefits, we have provided you with a simple guide to incorporating happiness into your daily life. 

Meditate 

Taking time to reflect via meditation is an important means of generating inner peace and allowing you to make a true assessment of your life and the direction you are heading in. This simple activity can be practised anywhere at any time and is scientifically proven to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.  

Positive thinking first thing 

Make a commitment to thinking differently about yourself and your life by doing simple things like counting your blessings every morning after waking up or listening to uplifting music whilst getting dressed. In addition, rather than looking in the mirror focusing on things you are unhappy with and want to change, admire what you love about yourself. It’s a choice to put yourself down.

Embrace your inner child

Whenever a moment of stress hits you, stop what you are doing and escape to a quiet place where you can tap into your inner child. Embracing childlike energy by acting a bit silly or thinking about funny things can help to boost creativity and curiosity, and may bring about more positivity and zest for life. 

Sleep to recharge your batteries    

It is well known that sleep can greatly improve health and well-being, but it is also a valuable spiritual practice that helps us to feel mentally and emotionally happier. Lacking essential sleep can drain our spirit and energy, so make sure you dedicate your evenings before bed to winding down and preparing for a good night’s sleep.

If you are keen to explore your spirituality in more depth to promote a more peaceful and happier sense of self, you could benefit from spiritual development coaching. To find out more about this and its benefits, please see our spirituality page. 

View and comment on the original Everyday Health article.