The purpose of life is to be happy. But, what can we do to make happiness a part of our lives?
Here are the 10 simple habits you can practice every to cultivate joy and happiness every day:
Habit 1: Have Sufficient Sleep
“Happiness consists in getting enough sleep.” – Robert Heinlein
Do not underestimate the power of sleep. Without sufficient rest, you mind will not be operating at its optimum level. You will easily succumb to stress and anxiety.
Sleep is important because it is the time where your body does its repair works. Research has shown that sufficient sleep boosts the immune system which contributes to good health and longevity.
Remember, without adequate sleep, you will be robbed of the energy to live a life full of joyous vitality. So, hit the hay early and ready for the next day!
Habit 2: Be Your Authentic Self
“Be happy. Be yourself. If others don’t like it, then let them be. Happiness is a choice. Life isn’t about pleasing everybody.” – Anonymous
Know who you are and accept your true self. By being authentic and genuine, you will experience a sense of freedom and liberation by being just you.
Focus on your strengths and be the best of your true self. This is how you can create the greatest values in the most suitable context, environment and people who appreciate your distinctive strengths.
Listen to your inner voice and your gut instinct. Connect with your higher self through meditation. When you are one with your authentic self, you will align with the right path that is meant for you.
Pluck your courage to be who you truly are. You will never know that your uniqueness becomes the magnet to attract the right people in your life!
Habit 3: Attitude of Gratitude
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
Always count your blessings! Learn to appreciate whatever you have in your life by expressing gratitude at every turn.
Keep a gratitude journal and preserve the tiny little memories of joy. There are always something for your to be grateful about.
Always say “Thank You” and send thoughts of gratitude to everyone you meet. The more you practice the attitude of gratitude, the more you will attract bountiful abundance in life.
Habit 4: Relinquish Perfection
“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Anonymous
Nothing is perfect in this world, definitely not you and me. Yes, there is nothing wrong to aspire for excellence. However, if we are obsessed only with attaining perfection in everything we do, happiness will become elusive.
After all, nothing is perfect; it gives us an opportunity to have continuous improvement to do it better and better.
Relinquish perfection and learn to appreciate and embrace imperfection as part and parcel of the beauty in life.
Habit 5: Smile and Laugh
“A smile is not the sign of happiness but the cause for happiness.” – Daisaku Ikeda
A smile is a sunshine that chases away winter in your life. Always laugh to your heart content and wear a bright and cheery smile on your face. You will never know your smile could be the source of hope, joy and encouragement for someone who is going through the mill!
If you want to stay healthy, happy and lucky, then let your laughter and smile be your secret weapons!
Habit 6: Practice Meditation
“Practice meditation regularly. Meditation leads to eternal bliss.” – Swami Sivananda
Our minds are like monkeys, swinging from one thought to another without ceasing even for a moment. Too cluttered a mind will only sap our energy away, making us drained and jaded. How can we experience the joy of life without energy?
Practice daily short meditation can help us focus our minds so that we become aware, alert and wise. Living every moment with mindfulness does help to elevate our life conditions so that we can live our life to the fullest by taking the right actions.
Happiness starts from now, at this very moment, with conscious awareness and mindfulness.
Habit 7: Give Generously
“Life is truly a boomerang. What you give, you get.” – Dale Carnegie
Giving is an expression of love, and love is the force that gives rise to happiness. It doesn’t matter what we give, be it our time, presence, gifts or even loving words of hope and encouragement.
The more we give, the more we receive. This is an immutable truth of the Law of Life.
Be a generous person by giving more. It is the key to the door of infinite abundance and prosperity.
Habit 8: Let Go of the Past
“Letting go gives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Suffering from hurt is inevitable. None of us is spared from the trials and tribulations of life. Some of us have been hurt by caustic words and thoughtless actions of others at some points in our lives. There are also some who are struggling with financial, health and relationship issues.
Holding on to the past is insidious; it will only destroy ourselves eventually. As such, earlier you let go of the unhappy past, the more freedom and joy you experience.
Forgive our enemies and forgive those who hurt us. It develops your magnanimity, graciousness, and benevolence to embrace people despite their flaws. We express our compassion through forgiveness.
Let go of the past. Forgive.
Habit 9: Do Not Compare
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Many people tend to compare themselves with others. The fact is that there will never be an apple to apple comparison because everyone is unique and distinctive. You will become increasingly dissatisfied, frustrated and resentful if you always compare yourself with others.
Instead, compare yourself today with that of yesterday. This is the most reliable and valid benchmark.
Look at others for ideas and inspirations, not a comparison. You learn to reframe perspectives by looking at the alternatives so that you can do things in an innovative way.
Compare with others will only rob you of your present joy. So become your own yardstick by comparing only with yourself.
Habit 10: Pursue your Passion
“What I know is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Being happy is also about living life on your own terms. By doing what you love and pursuing your passion relentlessly, you will find joy, meaning and purpose every day.
Moreover, invest your time and efforts to learn something new, be it new skills, knowledge or perspective. Spending time to grow yourself will reap immeasurable rewards
The world is your oyster. Be fearless to discover the wild blue yonder by pursuing your passion and realizing your dream.
Your thoughts?
Do you have any other ways of cultivating happiness? Do contribute your ideas in the comments section below.
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