How we define health and happiness is subjective. But did you know that attaining optimal health and happiness is within our reach? It is how we cultivate healthy yet simple habits in our lives that makes all the difference in the long run.
As Lord Buddha says, “To keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” Every little choice we make in our lives each day has the potential to determine what our next days will be like.
Regardless of how you define happiness for yourself, a few changes to your current lifestyle have the potential to entirely change your future. And, before you say anything – Yes, Habits Matter. Good habits are ingrained in us. It is how we explore and implement them into our lives that makes all the difference.
This article will explore some of the habits of happy and successful people you can include in your life as well.
1. Engage in Mindfulness Exercise
With the rising competition in the world, our lives have become very fast-paced. Our mind is constantly running, and we are worried about what’s going to happen without even living in the present moment.
Does that mean you should plan for your future or be worried about it? Absolutely not.
But now and then, you need to overcome that constant rush, slow down, and take a break. Your mind needs that little moment of rejuvenation where your sole focus is to bask in the present.
As you inhale and exhale during your mindfulness meditation exercises, recollect your thoughts in the present moment. Look into your inner self and seek that inner peace that your mind has been craving all this time.
Practicing this for even 10 minutes each day has the potential to help you overcome the chaos that’s swirling in your mind and break through the cycle of stress and anxiety that seems to have taken permanent residence in your mind.
2. Smile
As Tom Wilson says, “A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose.” And it's true, right? We are in a constant rush to chase happiness with big trips, grand purchases, and luxurious stays when making a habit of smiling more can fetch you that calm, peace, and tranquility without a price.
That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your luxuries to attain happiness. But it is also about introducing simple habits that won’t hold you back from living a more fulfilling life.
And, before you say, “Oh, but it's so philosophical,” Well, it's not.
Studies show that smiling causes the brain to release endorphins called dopamine and serotonin, which are our body’s HAPPY HORMONES. Our facial expressions, in this case, a smile, have the potential to positively influence our emotions.
So, if you aren’t smiling enough, why not start today? Celebrate small moments of happiness. Smile more.
3. Become more Active
Indulging in exercise is not everyone’s cup of tea. As a life coach who has worked with thousands of clients, I have heard people talk about a lack of motivation to hit the gym or go for a walk.
Trust me, I understand. But the one thing I always tell my clients (and myself as well) is that exercise isn’t just for physical fitness.
In fact, the benefits of exercise are even more profound for our emotional health. It has the potential to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and allow you to boost your happiness and self-esteem in life.
Sounds promising, doesn’t it? So, why not turn it into a habit?
What I’d suggest you do is start small. Don’t overexert yourself on the first day. If you push without any limits, you are going to end up resenting the act (the exercise). So, start with baby steps.
You can step out of the house for 15 minutes and go out for a stroll. You can indulge in some yoga by following some YouTube tutorials. The options are diverse. All you have to do is pick the right one.
4. Don’t Compromise on your Sleep
Do you know one of the most important habits of successful people? They never compromise on the quality of their sleep.
Sure, they might not get 10 hours of sleep throughout the day, but they prioritize the quality of the sleep they get in a day. And, to be fair, that can make a lot of difference.
You might sleep for 8 hours a day, with breaks where the slightest sound wakes you up. When you wake up the next morning, you are bound to find yourself tired from the lack of sleep.
But you could get 6 hours of sound and quality sleep, and you will realize how energized and rejuvenated you feel the next day. Sleep factors into our health and happiness, so if you aren’t prioritizing your sleep, you have to start today.
Even studies indicate that getting quality sleep has the potential to reduce a plethora of chronic illnesses and help you lead a happier, more content, and more fulfilling life.
As the saying goes, “Some of the best things in life are free.”
5. Practice Gratitude
We are blessed with one life, and we have the chance to make the most of it. So, why take it for granted when you have the potential to acknowledge each thing you are grateful for?
Practicing gratitude isn’t just about journaling your thoughts. Instead, you can do it at any time of the day, even when you are standing there on your balcony, doing nothing.
Our minds often make us focus on the negative side of things during the day. We tend to focus on things that went wrong instead of “noting the pleasant things in your life”.
What you practice gratitude for every day can be big things in life, or it can be some of the most trivial things as well. For example, you can be grateful for getting that promotion you have been waiting for and simultaneously be grateful for being able to eat three meals a day.
As you get into the habit of practicing gratitude, you will realize that it’s a lot easier to surround yourself with positive things in life.
Final Words
Habits are made with practice. So, if you want to live a more fulfilling, happy, and healthy life, you have to cultivate healthy habits. Much like how you can’t earn a degree in a day and Rome wasn’t built in a day, your journey to attaining a healthy and happy life isn’t a day’s work.
However, seeing the light in the darkness is easier said than done. In fact, you might have to put in a lot of extra effort to make things happen the way you envisioned. Why not bridge that gap with a certified mindfulness coach?
Working with an experienced and the best life coach in India, Dr. Paras, could be the first push you need to make the most of your life. So, schedule a session without any further thought.
If you are interested in exploring more about Mindfulness, Matrrix’s Mindfulness Practitioner Certification could be a game-changer for you. Don’t hesitate; take that first step towards living a more fulfilling life.
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