Happy Days

Keeping yourself happy in a busy and frenetic world takes skill. Remember that slowing down a little can be just what the doctor ordered to keep a bit of perspective. Aim to rediscover the difference between wants and needs, for a serene and happy life, may you have all you need and want all you have.

Being over-scheduled should not be worn as a badge of honour – make a point of setting aside time for a night off and defend space in your diary for doing nothing at all. Making time for quiet ensures that you have the space to mull over any worries and set a plan in action to resolve them, rather than letting them rumble and gather momentum.

Slow down and give each task your full attention and complete it before moving on. That way you’ll have time to appreciate the moments of stillness as well as periods of great activity.

Remember the 60% rule
Nothing and no one is perfect. Aiming high and working to the best of your ability is great, but the pursuit of perfection is unrealistic and can have damaging consequences. Try readjusting your thinking. If a friendship, relationship or work project is 60% right, then you’re doing well. Beware too, of perfectionism’s close friends: an all or nothing approach; workaholism; fear of failure; and being over-sensitive to the judgement of others. None of these contribute to an overall sense of happiness and usually sabotage it.

Care for your body
It’s a fact that there is a correlation between how we nourish and care for ourselves and our mood and serotonin levels. Surround yourself with the good stuff: leafy green vegetables, plenty of water, sleep and positive people.

Unplug yourself from the grid occasionally and turn off your phone – spend some time in nature instead and allow your system to be nourished from the outside in as well as the other way. A phone in your hand at all times isn’t conducive to good sleep, good relationships or happiness. Give yourself at least an hour of electronic-free wind down every day (preferably before bedtime). Create the right conditions for relaxation and contentment.

When things get too much, try the one-finger-on-the-nose breathing trick. Surreptitiously life a finger against one side of your nose. Then just breathe through the other nostril. By halving the rate at which you breathe, you lower your blood pressure and trigger the body’s relaxation response. If you face situations which bring up strong emotions, this is a small coping strategy that you can employ without drawing attention to yourself.

Use these challenging situations as learning opportunities – there is a lovely saying that goes, I’ve made so many mistakes, and learnt so much, I’m thinking of making some more.

Inner happiness is mostly about finding joy and acceptance in your own personal day to day situation. Be kind to yourself when you stumble and find small ways to connect yourself with what it is that you value. Make today a great one!