The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Happiness is often considered to be a great mystery. Where does it come from? Why do some people always seem to be happy, while others seem doomed to be depressed?
When you think about it, happiness wouldn’t have any meaning without sadness. This is true for light and darkness and all kinds of binaries.
So, we shouldn’t obsess over being happy all the time, as it wouldn’t even have any sense. Instead, happiness is a limited feeling that is all the sweeter because of its ephemeral nature.
Nonetheless, we can work to actively find greater happiness and tranquility in our lives. So, read on to learn some simple tips to naturally improve your mental health and overall well-being.
5 Tips for Greater Happiness
There’s no one way of being happy, and everyone is different. As such, these tips aren’t meant to be prescriptive but rather suggestions that you should try out and see if they work for you.
And if you’d like more helpful resources about happiness, consider checking out the useful content available online through BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/happiness/
Exercise
It’s a simple formula, but healthy eating and exercise alone can make a world of difference for both physical and mental health.
Numerous studies show that exercise benefits not only the body but the brain. There’s a reason why the term “runner’s high” exists. Working out in general is great, but exercising outside appears to be even more beneficial as you’re more likely to get Vitamin D (from the sun) and enjoy the benefits of “eco-therapy.”
Don’t try to run a marathon overnight—simply going for a brisk walk is a great start.
Eat Well
Fad diets seem inescapable in our society, but the value of simply eating well consistently can’t be overstated. Instead of trying to lose 20 pounds in two weeks, focus on slowly but surely eating healthier and eating less.
Filling your body with nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains will help boost your fiber content and keep you fuller longer (not to mention more regular).
Take up a Hobby
Engaging with a hobby can help you pass the time in a fun and healthy way. There’s also the social aspect of hobbies and other passions as it’s easy to find others who share the same interests (whether online or in-person).
So, whether you’re a huge fan of a sports team, really into chess, or simply can’t get enough of cooking chili, there are events and online forums for you. This will help you socialize more and generally boost your happiness.
Disconnect
We are arguably far too “connected” these days. Despite this, loneliness and depression show no signs of slowing down. The 24-hour news cycle, the rapid-fire information overload of social media and the unreasonable expectations it delivers—these things likely just make us all more stressed and anxious.
Reflect on your screen time and try paring it down for a week or two. It’s quite likely that you’ll feel a bit happier overall.
Practice Gratitude
Finally, consider practicing gratitude. If you’re reading this article, chances are you have an internet connection. You probably have a roof over your head as well. Do you have supportive family or friends—even just one person?
If so, these are all things to be very grateful for. When we practice gratitude, we help change the chemistry in our brain and actively learn to be happier.
Conclusion
Happiness may seem mysterious, but it’s something that we can all actively work on. Taking even 5-15 minutes a day to focus on something that will improve your happiness can lead to tremendous benefits with time.
Establishing healthy habits and beneficial routines can improve your mental health and overall well-being, especially if you stick with them. Give yourself the chance, as life is too short to be miserable all the time. And if you need more support in feeling happy, don’t hesitate to consider the help of a licensed counselor.
