In a world where everyone is trying to find some kind of happiness, experts will tell you (as cheesy as it sounds), happiness truly comes from within.
READ MORE: Can money buy happiness? It depends on who you are and how you spend
What science says about happiness
There have also been countless studies that have tried to figure out exactly what makes humans so happy. One Harvard study, in 2015, found people who were happy chose to be happy, while spending time strengthening close relationships, as well as taking care of themselves financially, physically and emotionally.
Business Insider reports, one study found 40 per cent of our happiness was under our own control. The site notes another report found having more time in your life (compared to money), also made people happier.
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Below, Jay shares tips on how to be happier on your day-to-day.
Create a list of gratitude
“Sometimes we forget the things we are grateful for in our lives. By taking a moment and simply listing all the things in a journal can make us feel instantly happier,” she tells Global News. Writing letters of gratitude have shown to increase happiness, life satisfaction and decrease signs of depression, she adds.
Go on a vacation
The lasting memory of taking a vacation with loved ones as opposed to buying possessions is shown to increase happiness in the long run, she says. “Even the act of planning a trip increases happiness levels. Vacations also boost creativity as the extended time and space to relax makes us come up with creative ideas instead of frantically finishing work or trying to solve problems.”
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Steer clear of toxic people
Toxic people who drain you of your energy are sure to make you unhappy. “Negative people who always see the glass as half empty, waste time complaining about what could or should be instead of trying to improve their situation.”
Find time to exercise
Studies show as little as 10 minutes of physical activity a day can improve your mood, Jay says. “So no excuses of not having enough time to exercise. Even the smallest activities such as a brisk walk can dramatically improve your happiness in the long run.” Other activities like yoga and weight-training can also be mood boosting.
READ MORE: Why keeping a journal could be the key to happiness
Spending time with those close to you
“One of the biggest regrets people have on their death bed is not spending enough time with their loved ones. The strengths of our relationships show how happy we are in general,” she says. “People who are married with families also show to have higher levels of happiness.”
Accepting your Emotions
Instead of drinking, eating, medicating or projecting your feelings to avoid feeling them, it’s best to actually allow yourself to feel your feelings and let your guard down, Jay explains. “Some people take more time engaging in activities to avoid feeling sad or angry and it leads them down a terrible path of destruction. Allowing yourself to feel your feelings can make you better assess the situation as to what is making you angry or sad and understand yourself better.”
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