Asma khan balouch Today’s life is filled with demanding work environments, distractions, and challenges that we feel more prone to stress and find it difficult to live a happy life. Stress and happiness are closely related, in the presence of stress we can’t feel happy, and vice versa. As you step into the world of holistic well-being and happiness you may wonder “What will make you happy?”
There are some simple life tips and techniques that can aid you to achieve a healthy stress-free and happy life ever after. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the complexities of living a happy life with 12 practical tips.
How can I live a happy and stress-free life?
A lot of questions like how can I be happy or how can you find happiness, arise in our mind. Try to find happiness in little things in life like having your favorite cup of coffee, a walk to your favorite spot, or just simply appreciating the beauty around you. When you start enjoying such little things and stay positive you will notice a gradual shift in your mindset from “I can’t feel happy” to “I can do it.”
Furthermore, we will discuss some key points that you can adjust to your needs to achieve your goals of a fulfilling life.
1) Self-acceptance and self-care
One of the most important things you can do today is to accept yourself the way you are. You must take care and watch your thoughts of you, how you think and view yourself.
Accept your flaws and embrace your strengths. It doesn’t matter how weird and odd your weaknesses are, what matters is how perfectly you carry them. Do what makes you happy but make sure your happiness doesn’t break someone’s heart. Incorporate activities that bring happiness and contribute to a “happy life.”
Take care of your body, eat a healthy diet, and avoid health-destructing activities like junk food, alcohol, watching porn, etc. Focus on grooming and dressing well, you will automatically feel happy. Schedule your day and make sure to keep “me time” on your list. One thing I always add in personal care that to keep your surroundings clean and tidy, like your room, house office, etc. This will not only boost your mood but also increase focus and mental productivity.
2) Mindfulness and awareness
The real happiness of life lies in the present moment. Practice mindfulness to increase awareness to enjoy the beauty of a happy life. To achieve such a level of awareness you can do mindfulness meditation and breathing focus exercises.
There are many free guided meditation techniques available which you can select and practice at your convenience. It will reduce stress, give a sense of happy life, and enhance self-awareness. Moreover, it calms the mind, gives clarity, and allows you to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
3) Connection to source
Whether you are a religious person or not or believe in some kind of higher power/source, your connection to the source means a lot. There is a well-known fact and many studies reveal that persons who are religious, pray daily are more contented in their lives, and are less prone to stress than average people who are somehow not connected to the source.
Whatever your beliefs, establishing a connection to the universe & nature, and practicing gratitude will guide you and give you a sense of fulfillment.
4) Cultivate a positive mindset
A positive mindset is a powerful tool for a happy life. Having a positive approach towards life allows one to perceive and respond to challenges differently. Such a mindset focuses on solutions rather than problems and challenges negative thoughts.
It helps avoid unnecessary stress by focusing on positivity while making it easier to find joy in both work and life. It’s just a matter of perspective that can change the world around you.
5) Forgiveness
Along with daily life and work stress, negative energy and resentments not only spoil your mood but also earn you stress for life. If you want a peaceful environment whether at work or at home you must acquire the beauty of forgiveness. I know it’s hard to forgive those who hurt you but trust me it’s for your own good.
So let it go, forgive your loved ones, and also forgive yourself too. Sometimes we are the ones who make mistakes and suffer endlessly. By freeing your mind from such thoughts and resentments, you will breathe a sigh of relief and experience feelings of happiness.
6) Exercise/Yoga
Physical activities like exercise and yoga work like a bridge to a healthy and happy life.
These activities improve fitness, reduce stress or anxiety, improve mental health, and make you feel happy by releasing a chemical called endorphin.
This chemical is also known as the “chemical of happiness”. Instead of scrolling through social media, get up hit the gym, and channel your anger and extra energy into the workout. Everyone wants to look young, fit, and healthy but is afraid of hard work.
7) Reduce screen time
Reduce screen time as much as possible as it affects our eyesight, mental health, and overall well-being. Whether you are using a cell phone, tablet, or PC, it emits UV rays that are harmful to your health.
Moreover, time spent on social media directly affects mood. These social media algorithms keep us hooked and we sit idly scrolling which makes us lazy. By managing screen time you can also improve mood and sleep.
8) Get enough sleep
Good and adequate sleep is essential to thrive in daily life. Ensure quality sleep of 6 to 8 hours. It will keep you fresh, healthy, and active, and pave the way for happy feelings.
9) Healthy friends circle
A friend circle plays a key role in the pursuit of a happy life. Friends are the one who makes happy moments more enjoyable and provides a shoulder to cry on when hard times hit.
A healthy relationship with friends creates a support network around us. These companionships have the potential to make life beautiful only if selected carefully and can also save your life. So keep this circle small but loyal and righteous people.
“One true friend is better than a hundred false friends.” Imam Ali (R.A)
10) Addictions
Those who indulged in unhealthy activities and had addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc., had less exposure to happiness and a stress-free life. Such individuals ruin their lives if they don’t take early action to get rid of these addictions.
If you are suffering from such addictions, join a rehab center or substance abuse counselor and find support from loved ones. Never lose hope, a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life is waiting for you on the other side of the road.
11) Do volunteer/charity
If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or sad just step out of your home and help someone who needs it. You can join “charity shops” or search for charity places like “community service near me”.
Either you can look for volunteering opportunities and charitable trust or just start on your own, you can also invite your friends to join your charity work. It’s scientifically proven that people who engage in volunteer work and do charity work are happier in life than others.
12) Spent time with kids and pets
After a stressful day at work or after facing a challenge in life will eventually make you feel down. Here is an instant natural remedy tip to spend time with kids and pets.
These innocent beings appear as natural healers and can make you immediately feel well. You can also cuddle with your partner and spend quality time with your family and friends as it will improve your mood.
A bonus hands-on tip for happy life
- Learn to say no
- Remove toxic people from your life
- Avoid People pleasing policy
Bottom line:
We all face difficulties in life that make life even harder. We often place our happiness in external pursuits, things, and people. That makes it difficult to the point of impossibility to find happiness in life. We have discussed some key factors that are crucial for a happy life. Try to adopt these techniques as habits that work best for you.
Happiness and contentment are directly related to our mindset and perspective and how we perceive the world around us. Positivity and determination are key to holistic well-being and a happy life.
