In a world propelled by social media and money, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by…
By: Heather Boatwright
Tags: Happy Life, Love Yourself, Mental Health, Health, Mental Health Awareness

In a world propelled by social media and money, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by advertisements showing us what we need to make us happy. Clothes, food, whiter teeth, gym memberships- the list goes on and on. I am here today to let you in on seven free ways you can help yourself be happier.

1. Accept How You’re Feeling

When you fight your emotions and avoid them, they build up in the back of your mind and are stored in your nervous system! When a twist in your day occurs, take a minute to verbalize in your mind what your emotional reaction is and why you feel that way. Don’t fight it by saying it’s ridiculous to feel that way, don’t avoid it by turning on music or Netflix- feel it. Accept it. And be okay with it.

2. Change Your Picture

Everyone has a picture of what their life should look like, and it’s different for each individual depending on their situation. For me, my perfect picture has me married to a wonderful and loyal man, living in an adorable middle class home that is always clean and tidy, where I spend my weekends in the mountains going on adventures with my three boys. This is not my reality and constantly not living up to such expectations wears on your body and soul.

Love your life for what it is and not what you think it should be.

I am a single mom to three boys, my home is constantly messy, and sometimes it feels like the screaming never ends. This is my reality and while the messes and fighting are far from enjoyable, accepting this as my reality and finding moments of joy in the midst of it all has made all the difference in the world. What is your picture? What is your reality?

3. Find Time to Do What You Love

Take a minute to think about the activities that you truly love to do, the pastime that brings your heart joy, and schedule a time to do it. For me, I am never happier than when I am hiking in the mountains. Something about the combination of a peaceful atmosphere, and accomplishing a difficult task makes me feel like I can conquer the world. What is your “conquer the world” activity? If nothing comes to mind, make a goal to try out a new pastime this week and find what makes your own heart soar.

4. Make a Record

Our days are filled with uncompleted tasks, unexpected chaos and stress. When it’s over sometimes it can feel like that’s all our lives are! Take a moment to snap a photo or jot down that one moment in your day that brought an unexpected smile to your face. Free pizza in the conference room, a pretty flower you noticed, a bizarre act of insanity performed by your child. Make a record and at the end of the day you will have proof that your day and life is not straight insanity but filled with small joyful moments.

5. Exercise

This is one we hear a lot, but it’s a proven fact. In an article posted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine the following was stated, “During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. This can help you deal with stress and reduce your risk of depression”. When you exercise it creates an environment of stress on your body, to counter that stress your brain produces endorphins and those endorphins improve your mood. It doesn’t need to be an intense work out or a hot yoga class where you’re sweating like crazy though! Do a 20-minute morning yoga routine, or take a walk around the block. It will make an unbelievable difference in how your body feels, and thus how you feel!

6. Healthy Eating Choices

Try to make healthier eating choices throughout the day. Your body needs water and specific vitamins to perform well. When the fuel you put in your body is healthier, you can function better, you will feel less tired and better able to take on your day. In an article found on Live Science, Agata Blaszczak-Boxe discussed a recent study they did in Australia surrounding the effects that eating fruits and vegetables had on. She stated, “Researchers found that people who switched from eating almost no fruit and vegetables in their daily diets to eating eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day experienced an increase in life satisfaction equivalent to what an unemployed person feels after finding a job.” Make it simple, choose a fruit smoothie to kick start your day! At lunchtime have a salad on the side of whatever you’re eating. You will be surprised what a difference it can make.

7. Let Yourself Be Happy

Take pride in any small thing you accomplished during the day! Review that record of the occurrences that made you smile. Take a second to look around your space and find something you love. Go outside and watch a sunset. Watch your children play together and enjoy their giggles. It doesn’t matter if the living room is a mess, or the dishes aren’t done! You can be happy right now, if you let yourself.

Now you know seven ways to help yourself be happier! Pick one, that’s right I said one, and try it out. Bring joy back into your life one small step at a time, it will be worth the effort I promise you. After all, what is life if not to have joy?