Every time a new year begins, we have a list of things, whether physical or mental, that we want to achieve in the next twelve months. Although it changes over time, on a general scale, we all want to be well and happy in our personal and professional lives.
Life satisfaction and your perception of happiness
Your current wellbeing can influence your perception of happiness, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science. This makes the researchers think that, although you can’t change your past, you can change your thoughts about it.
Researchers looked at how people remembered their past. They suggested that how you currently feel may interfere with how you remember your past and your state of wellbeing at the time.
This means that your attitude helps your wellbeing and everything begins with the thoughts — not in a magical way, but instead with concrete details. Not everything depends on you, as your circumstances and environment also have an influence, but there are some actions you can take that will help you have a better perception of the good things in your life.
Practise gratitude
Gratitude is a critical component of the good life, as it enhances happiness and helps mental wellbeing. People who express gratitude tend to reflect on the past in more positive ways.
According to a OnePoll survey, 62% of people who express gratitude on a daily basis are very satisfied with their lives, and 65% of people who describe themselves as very happy tend to express gratitude.
Increase social connections
Interaction with other people is paramount to your mental health, wellbeing and happiness. Socializing prevents feelings of loneliness, sharpens the memory and increases your sense of wellbeing and happiness.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people tend to be happier when chatting with strangers on the subway, which suggests that making the first social move has rewards by being perceived more positively.
Keep a healthy routine
The idea of exercise may not seem like the definition of happiness to many people, but science has shown that a healthy routine is vital to our wellbeing and satisfaction.
In addition to healthy eating and exercise, you can add activities that make you break your routines as this can bring positive effects and a greater sense of wellbeing according to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Living near green spaces or outdoor activities can make a big change in your happiness as well, so enjoy nature.
Find your purpose
Each person may find meaning in different things, but having a purpose leads to greater satisfaction, wellbeing, joy and is related to better sleep quality in older adults. The Pew Research Center found through a survey that the things that make people feel they have meaningful lives are their families, careers and hobbies.
Participants in research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies tended to feel less anxious, angry, or sad when they had a greater sense of purpose — when they felt purposeful, they were more excited, relaxed and happy.
Become a volunteer
The acts of kindness you do for others contribute significant improvements to your own sense of fulfillment and happiness. An active social life where you bring joy to others through your time and compassion has benefits to your wellbeing.
Volunteers can also have better health, such as being less likely to have high blood pressure. Additionally, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and is particularly good for mental health, according to BMJ Open research.
Live your experience
There are no magic solutions to achieve wellness and happiness, but you can work at them over time. Taking care of yourself includes being attentive to your physical, mental and emotional health. Become aware of the negative situations that drag you down and learn to enjoy the present.
One step you can take is to clear your spaces and make better choices about the people you want to share with, because good relationships keep us happier and healthier.
This year, learn to celebrate you and enjoy experiences that make a lasting impact on your life. It is impossible to be happy all the time, but investing in experiences can help you extend these moments that bring you wellbeing.
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