All anyone truly wants from this life is happiness, right? So how can we ensure that we attain happiness, even if our lives aren’t picture perfect?
According to Loretta Breuning, PhD of California State University, East Bay there is a strong correlation between unhappiness and unhealthy habits, so it stands to good reason that the same can be said for positive rituals enhancing one’s happiness.
Gratitude
A lot can be said for being grateful. Take time out of your day to consider what you are grateful for, whether you want to look in the mirror and mention 3 blessings, write them in a journal, or just think about them in your head.
When you truly start to think about everything in your life that you should be grateful for, you find additional items that belong on that list. Thinking about your blessings is an excellent way to boost your happiness.
No Comparison
The grass is not always greener on the other side, though it is easy to be caught up in worrying about what others have, or what others are doing. Consequently, this is where you begin to lose control and allow envy to become part of your life.
Maybe the Jones’ do have a brand new car, or their rose bushes are growing faster, but there is nothing that you can do about that. Don’t let someone else’s success negatively affect your happiness, nor should you allow yourself to be bogged down with worry that you aren’t doing enough.
Comparison is a joy thief, don’t let it steal yours.
Positive Mental Attitude
When approaching an issue do you see problems, or opportunities? The true mark of an optimist is the ability to cut through the forest and get right down to the root of the matter. This can be applied at work, home, and school; it can be applied to your own sense of self, too.
Consider your self-talk, what kind of messages is your inner voice sending you?
Find a positive affirmation that is right for you, in times of difficulty you can remind yourself with it.
Repeat it as many times as you need to.
Volunteer
What greater purpose could we possibly serve than to assist those in greater need than ourselves? Whether you decide to spend time with the elderly, feed the homeless, get involved in a community center for troubled youth, or even give your time to a pet adoption clinic.
You could have an incredibly stressful job, or be a stay at home parent- regardless when you complete the same tasks every day; it can be difficult to understand what your place is in the world.
Chances are you offer an important contribution every day that you’re unaware of, regardless; volunteering can provide you with an unrivaled sense of worth.
Why? What? Where? How?
Any time worry, stress, anxiety, fear, or unhappiness begins to settle deal with it immediately, simply by asking “why?”
Why am I feeling this way?
What change has occurred to bring this emotion to my attention?
Where has it come from?
How can I get rid of this?
Asking yourself these little questions can provide you with a powerful ritual, moreover, there are a number of ways you can address an issue, though it will depend on what it is.
Perhaps the best way would be to write down the invading thought on a piece of paper, crinkle it up and promptly place it in the nearest waste receptacle.
If you are guilty of negative thinking, then taking time out of your day to record and trash those thoughts is an excellent ritual. You can also complete this exercise as and when required.
