The power of happiness is in our hands. Although the world may seem like a dark and scary place at the moment, we still have a choice as to how we view our situation. There may be events far out of our control unfolding, but we do always have the power to control our reaction and make the best of the situation. When it all seems overwhelming, sometimes the solution is simply to focus on the little things that can add to your day – small steps you can take to put a smile on your face. It’s possible for these little things to change your whole mindset, and just knowing that you are taking positive steps towards a goal of yours is helpful. Everyone ultimately has a slightly different idea about what happiness is for them, and most people would value being happy above any other state. However, you always have the opportunity to work towards this state and become more emotionally resilient along the way. Here are some small steps you can take towards becoming a happier person…
Schedule In Some Exercise
We all understand the benefits to our physical health of fitting in a regular workout, but there is a more significant effect than that – and that’s the impact on your mental health. Working out is a way to release stress, generate feel-good endorphins that will chemically lift your mood, and calm and anxiety. There is a reason that it’s often described as a form of therapy. So aim to prioritize it for the sake of your mind. It’s more important to do something than what you actually do – so find something which suits you. If you’re a social person, live-streamed exercise classes can help. Or you might prefer a morning yoga routine. Either way, taking the time to fit half an hour of being active into your day can be a transformative habit.
Take Pride In Your Appearance
It’s who you are on the inside that really counts, but it can’t be denied that we derive a lot of our confidence from how we look. Being well-groomed counts for a lot in terms of making us feel at our best, and this affects how we interact with others. It’s important, even if you’re in a lockdown situation, that you continue to keep up with hygiene and grooming. Letting these things slip will not give you the morale boost you need to get through this situation. So don’t give in to the urge to work in your pajamas all day! Stick to getting dressed properly, and make sure you brush your hair and shower each day. You can also use a bit of extra time to think about upgrading your appearance. Perhaps start a new skincare routine that brightens and protects against aging, or if your teeth aren’t in good condition you could look into solutions ranging from Invisalign braces to home teeth whitening kits, through to false teeth – whatever you need to gain that bright white smile. Who knows? You could emerge from this situation looking better than ever!
Sort Out Your Sleep
When you’re suddenly cut loose from the routine of traveling to work every day, your daily schedule can quickly start to slip. You get up later and instead of going to bed at a good time, you end up binging on a Netflix marathon each night. But these are not healthy habits to get into. Your body’s circadian rhythm is an important tool – a cycle of hormones that signal when to sleep, eat and wake. Get yours in good order by picking a set time to wake up each day and sticking to it. Consistency will only benefit your body. Making sure you spend some time exposed to sunlight in an outdoor space, even if it’s just your garden or balcony, will make a difference. Create a bedtime ritual that helps you to wind down and drift easily to sleep. This might involve listening to a mindfulness podcast, reading a few chapters of a good book, or a relaxing bath with essential oils. If you still have trouble dropping off, try a lavender pillow spray to make things calmer, and ensure that your bedroom is slightly cool and fairly dark, with the best quality mattress and bed linen that you can afford. You should also take the step of banning all electronic devices from the bedroom, as these emit blue light which disturbs the ability of your body to produce melatonin, the hormone which helps us to sleep.
These are just a few simple steps you can take to make your days a happier experience, even when extreme things are happening in the world. Your happiness is in your control, and there is so much you can do to create happier days – starting now.