Many have slowly come to realize that happiness is more than just a positive emotion. It is a decision. It may seem vague but the young generations have come to realize how paramount one’s mental health is over everything. This is because the state of our mental health affects our entire being. Against all odds and on a verge of enjoying life, people are beginning to make decisions that make them happy. Psychologists say we should be happy at least once a day. In as much as the people and things around us tend to affect our state of mind, we could be the culprits negatively affecting our own happiness. How so?
There are a number of things we do that affect our happiness. A few include;
Inadequate sleep
Medical experts advice that we get at least eight hours of sleep daily. In the fast paced world we live in, you should make it a goal to get enough sleep as often as possible, if not every day. Inadequate sleep usually leaves us weak, irritated and dull. Try to have designated time frame / duration for sleeping.
Unhealthy eating habits
Remember the proverbial saying, “You are what you eat”? It is very true. Try this in a week, incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and cut down junks, then watch what happens to your moods. Also, having regular eating patterns/time helps greatly in elevating one’s mood.
Seeking Validation
Are you a people pleaser? Are you thinking what ‘A’ will say if you take this step? Do you always need someone’s opinion before you can come to a conclusion? If your answer to these is yes, then you are sowing seeds of unhappiness. Also, you do not trust yourself.
The Media
The media encompasses any means by which we gain access to information. Books, word-of-mouth, social media, TV, radio; magazines, etc. are various forms of media and are highly influential in our daily lives. You do not have to expose yourself to certain information if you don’t feel comfortable with it. The same goes for that conversation, book or even a person that makes your skin crawl. Avoid them.
Self Comparison
Here’s another proverbial saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Oh yes, it is. As humans, every one of us feel insecure of someone or something at a particular point in our lives, we begin to ‘believe’ they have it better than us. Here’s an important happiness tip; Stop it. Everyone has his or her personal battles and you are facing yours because you are able to conquer them.
Lack of self-care
When last did you get yourself a gift? Have you complimented yourself today? Have you done your favourite hobby or watch your favourite movie with yourself lately? Do you take breaks? Do you pamper yourself?
Tying your happiness to a goal
This is a big mistake. If you keep waiting till you achieve a particular goal before you decide to be happy; then you haven’t met life. As humans, we always want something. When we get what we want, we want another and on and on. Choose to be happy whether you get what you want or you don’t (be happy you tried anyway).
Over thinking
Some people have a pedigree for over thinking, which births worry, and houses unhappiness. Those thoughts that keep you worried, afraid, sad, angry – do you like how they make you feel? If no, then let it go.
Un-forgiveness
Forgiveness is an act of selfishness. Why? You are doing it for yourself. Harboring resentment and thoughts of vindictiveness are as burdening as an ox’s yoke. The worst part is the people who hurt us may not be aware that they did. Make peace with them in your heart by writing a forgiveness letter and state what valuable (not bitter) lesson you have learnt from them, then, move on with or without the person – decide which is best for you.
Choosing to be happy
As mentioned earlier, happy is a choice. Life is life and it will keep hauling things at you. Choose to be happy in the midst of the crisis, uprising, horrors and what have you.
Sincerely, in the end, nothing, absolutely nothing is worth taking away your happiness. Only you have the power to do that.
Happy Weekend!