Wow, isn’t this the exact question we have all been searching for? Seems so easy, yet happiness looks different for everyone. We live in such a fast-paced society where everyone wants the next best thing. Some may say that money can buy happiness, and therefore they work their whole life just to enjoy luxurious items and vacations. Others may say family and friends make them happier. Since this topic is so broad and differs for everyone, the following “formula” should be taken with a grain of salt.
Happiness is linked to mindfulness, so these little practices of expressing gratitude and moving your body may be a good start. Pulling yourself out of a rut is hard at first (trust me we have all been there), so learn to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Feeling happier can be created from the simple pleasures in life like sipping warm tea in the morning, it’s all about your perspective.
1. movement
Using the word “exercise” tends to scare people. I’m not talking about going into a gym for 3 hours and lifting heavy weights. Any sort of movement that you feel intuitively called to is what your body is craving. This could be a walk in the park, a slow yoga flow, or maybe a swim in the ocean. Release all labels of trying to “work out” to fit a certain mold. Stop being a couch potato and explore this amazing body you are in!
2. drink more water
Eliminate all other liquids in your life that serve you no benefit. I’m talking about sodas, milk, or anything else you can think of. Even be aware of the preservatives in plant milk (this is why I make my own!). Water is our life source. Skip the sugary chemical drinks and go for some fresh water or a homemade smoothie. If you grew up somehow not liking the taste (which is absurd!) try flavoring your water with herbs or lemon.
3. eat more plants
Consume higher vibrational foods with lots of chi (life force energy) grown by the beautiful sun. What you eat is proven to affect your mood and overall well-being. So why would you consume processed foods or meats produced in factory farms? Eat more plants, they taste amazing, are nutritious, and will make you happier 🙂
4. cook dinner
Preparing food is an energy exchange. It is important to consume whole, organic, vibrant foods (as you have read above). However, who prepares your food is part of the energy you consume. Avoid eating foods with lots of oils, salts, and chemicals because these can affect your mood. In addition, stressed out, anxious, angry chefs rushing to deliver your meal is not good. Instead, awaken your creativity and play in the kitchen with new recipes. You know exactly what is going into it, physically and energetically. Listen to some high-vibrational music and infuse your food with good energy and gratitude while you cook. Plus, it’s cheaper. Don’t know where to start? Check these out…
5. vitamin D
Sunshine is so nourishing to the soul. Basking in her beauty and rays is scientifically proven to boost your mood and make you happier. Think about how you feel in the cold, dead of winter versus the vibrant summer. In addition to being outside in the sun, eating foods that are grown in the sun as well. Foods like mushrooms have a high vitamin D or opt for a good quality multi-vitamin supplement.
6. sleep sleep sleep !
We have all heard this countless times in our lives, “are you getting enough sleep?”. Good quality sleep is needed in your life, for obvious reasons. But also developing a night routine and sticking with it is a major part. This could be anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. Turn off the phone 30-60 minutes before bed and show the brain it is time to wind down. Dim the lights, light a candle, set the mood, do a short yoga flow, or read a book before bed. Relax and do a practice that benefits you and will increase the quality of your sleep.
7. reading
Get lost in a book you find interesting. This can be fiction or non-fiction. Don’t make it a chore, make it something you look forward to that’s fun! Cozy up by the fire with a good book while it’s rainy outside or sit on the beach listening to the waves. For those who say they “don’t read,” give it a try. Like starting any new hobby, there will be a curve ball at first. After a while, you will soon look forward to this alone time: just you and your book in peace.
8. less scrolling
Social media is so loud for our brains. What we really need is more peace. Knowing about every single thing ever going on in the world at once is detrimental and hard to process. Who cares about what that girl in high school is doing with her life or the latest gadget TikTok is saying you “need” to buy? Constant scrolling raises our heart rate and causes anxiety. Go for a run instead or simply meditate. Focus on your life and becoming happier, not someone else’s facade.
9. nature
Speaking of finding peace, have you ever tried to go out into the woods with no phone? Forest bathe, connect with the trees, and ground yourself barefoot in the grass. Nature is here for u. She provides us with so much. Sit and appreciate the little things she has to offer.
10. humor yourself
Sometimes I feel guilty just turning on a funny video. Society makes us feel like we constantly have to be doing more and more. The truth is rest is not a bad thing, so let go of this negative thinking. If one day you just want to lay in bed and watch a funny video, honor your body’s request to rest. Live in the moment and realize life isn’t all that serious. Allow yourself to laugh at a comedian or even when hanging out with your friends. See the funny side of things and look through a more optimistic perspective.
11. cleanse your space
Physically and energetically keep your environment clean. A clean space leads to a clean mind. Start by tidying for 5 minutes every morning and setting aside Sundays for deep cleaning. Once you get in the flow of cleaning, you actually may start to enjoy it. Have others in your household help with the chores and make it a fun family gathering. Energetically: use smudge sticks or crystals and set the intention to cleanse your home of any negative energy or entities and call back all your energy to you cleansed and purified.
12. self-forgiveness
There is so much pressure on us at all times to be a certain way. Screw that, learn to love and forgive yourself. Let go of the past that no longer serves you and release any grief or guilt. Having access to therapy or even starting with shadow work prompts will promote self-forgiveness. It’s not selfish to have love for yourself. By filling up your own cup first, you will be able to be there for others. You are the center of your life, so make sure your oxygen mask is on first before helping those around you. This is the ultimate key to becoming happier.
weekly resets
Taking a day to simply plan can be beneficial. Plan your meals, what days you see friends, any work that needs to be done, and even carve out self-care. Making an effort to grab coffee with a friend or take a hike in nature will allow you to re-ground yourself. Remember to cut out any negativity in your life and make yourself a priority. Surround yourself with good people and protect your own peace. Lead a happier life by putting yourself first, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
much love, peace & vibez 2 u & all beings everywhere
-EC <3