The number one thing to do to be happier and more fulfilled

If I told you that research has shown that there is one standout thing that you can do that will result in you feeling happier and more fulfilled, would you try it? 

If the answer is 'yes', then keep reading because I’m about to share exactly what the number one thing that you can do is!

You might be thinking I’m going to say...

• Exercise: This is a good shout. Exercise is amazing on so many levels, it boosts your mood, raises your energy levels, and improves your overall health, but it’s not that.
• Being outdoors: This is another great suggestion. Simply being outside reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline and improves your mood, but it is not the number one thing that will make you happier and more fulfilled.
• Meditation: Good guess, again. Meditation is brilliant for self-awareness, stress relief, and mindfulness, but it's not the number one thing that makes you happier and more fulfilled either.
• Gratitude: I thought it was this! I know that this powerful practice is great for feeling generally happier and more appreciative of your life- but I was wrong, gratitude is not the number one thing. 

The number one thing that you can do to increase your happiness and fulfillment levels is…

Be kinder to yourself! 

This is something we can all do every day for free! 

How does self-compassion affect our well-being?

There are so many positive consequences of self-compassion on our well-being, including greater overall life satisfaction, improved happiness, and increased optimism. Self-compassion is also associated with reducing self-criticism, depression, anxiety, fear of failure, and perfectionism as well as feelings of guilt and inadequacy. It’s a big deal!

Showing ourselves kindness clearly does affect our happiness levels, yet so many of us are unkind to ourselves daily. I want you to be honest, do you show yourself kindness?

How to show yourself more kindness

Here are some ways that you can show yourself some more kindness right now:

1. Meet your needs

Ask yourself what you need and give it to yourself. It might be sleep, a break, time alone…whatever it is, find a way of honouring it. Make taking care of yourself a non-negotiable.

2. Change the way you speak to yourself

Our internal dialogue directly affects our external results in life. Our thoughts create our feelings, our feelings create our actions and actions then create our results. Make sure you speak to yourself like you would a friend.

3. Prioritise what brings you joy

I’m talking about your hobbies, your passions, and the activities that you enjoy doing - take the time to do them. Stop always putting yourself last.

I hope this article has been insightful in helping you understand what you can do to directly increase your happiness and fulfillment levels. You deserve to feel happy and fulfilled in your life and career.

What will you do to show yourself some extra love, kindness, and support today? Get in touch via my profile below and let me know. I would love to hear from you.