Can you remember the last time you were truly happy? We’re not talking about a relaxing Thursday night or a time you did well at work; but a point in your life where you felt truly content with yourself.
It is hard not to fall into the traps of negativity and the routine life throws at us. Make a conscious effort to be happy by enriching your life and strengthening your emotional and mental capabilities.
Smile like you mean it
Ever wondered why children always seem to be so happy? Yes, it might be because they are clueless about the hardships you face, but studies show children smile at least 400 times a day. Getting through those endless days at the office or making lists of all the chores you have piled up is nothing to smile about, but when you’re feeling drained of energy, try to smile.
A crooked smile to a co-worker while passing them in the hallway is not what we mean. Smile while talking to a friend, watch some memes or funny cat videos at your desk or just do something silly that will show your pearly whites. It is an immediate boost of happiness and will help you relax and uplift your mood instantly.
Unburden the negativity
Give yourself a break and unload people or things in your life that bring you down. Feeling unappreciated at work for all the hard work you do? Speak up. Does your significant other not treat you in a way you feel happy? Move on. Work towards your happiness and make decisions that will help you reach it. Your mind will thank you for it.
Release anything from your life that might be a reason for your sadness. Take positive steps to change the cycle of negativity or brooding. Procrastination is one of the easiest potholes to get trapped into, so if you need to do something, do it now. You will immediately feel a sigh of relief and notice positive changes in your attitude.
Let it go…
This might be a no brainer, but most of us our guilty of holding grudges or remembering past events which may not cause us emotional turmoil but somewhere do stand in the way of our happiness.
Blocked that old friend from 5 years ago, but still think about them? Just give them a call and if it doesn’t work out simply let it go. Have something you want to say since a while but afraid to hurt someone’s feelings? Open up and share your feelings. Still think about what your ex did to you? Give them a piece of your mind and close that chapter. Getting closure about things that have been on your mind will instantly give you a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, never to be re-visited again.
Look good, feel good
This might seem shallow to some, but how you dress and appear often times reflects your inner frame of mind. When you wear that dress you just bought or those stilettos that make you feel like a million bucks, you immediately get a sense of confidence and feel happy. That feeling will stay with you through the day.
So the next time instead of rolling out of bed and finding the same faded ragged up formals to put on for work, wake up ten minutes earlier and work on your outfit by accessorizing it, putting on some make-up, spending five minutes on making your hair or even wear a great perfume. A moment spent on yourself is never wasted, you will see instant positive changes from people at work who probably did not know you existed and you may even catch the eye of that crush you’ve been secretly admiring. More importantly, do it for you.
Just be nice
You may think you don’t need the approval of others, or you don’t really care what people think of you, but do you really want to be the person that tramples over people’s feelings? Be caring towards people. Do a good deed for a stranger, give a co-worker a lift even if it’s out of the way, pay a friend a compliment or help a neighbour.
These actions although for others, serve you well with an ulterior motive, they will give you that feel good factor that stays with you and cheers you up. Donate and constantly give things to charity, tip to your house help who you know needs it more than you. The smile you help give others will reflect on you too.
Get a life coach
This may be easier than you think. Many a time, we might feel stuck in a mindless routine with that sinking feeling of wondering where our life is headed, ask for help. You don’t need to visit a stranger or a shrink but instead talk to someone a little wiser and mature. It could be anyone from your present manager, a friend’s mother, a distant relative or even a teacher you shared a rapport with from your past.
This should just be someone who you are in touch with and feel comfortable sharing your thoughts. Ask them about fears you might have or even day to day situations you don’t know how to cope with, vocalizing your problems is half the battle and chances are you won’t feel alone in your situation. Ask for help making decisions, taking life changing steps and get in a word of wisdom too.
Diet and exercise for energy
While most of us hit the gym to stay fit, the benefits of exercise have been around a while. Exercise releases endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in your body. This helps reduce stress, makes you more active and helps lift your mood. Compare days when you have gone to the gym to days you have not. You will see the difference for yourself. Even if you’re blessed with a perfect body and feel like you don’t need the gym, do it for your mental well-being. You will soon see a change in your mood and lifestyle.
The food we eat has a significant effect on our state of mind. Eating oily heavy foods that make you feel lethargic are no good, nor our large doses of energy boosters/drinks that give you a sudden high and a crashing low. Opt for colourful salads or fruits with a meal.
So the next time you’re feeling low, choose happiness. Review the above options and vow to complete at least one a day if not all and make an instant change in your life. Remember, happiness is always knocking at your door; you just have to let it in.
- Sanobar Mistry is a published journalist and currently a teacher in Dubai.
Editor’s Note:
Major depressive disorders or clinical depression is a serious issue. As of earlier this year, the World Health Organisation stated that there are more than 300 million people of all ages all over the world suffering from depression.
There are several places and organisations in the United Arab Emirates that can help such as Lifeworks Foundation, the German Neuroscience Center, The American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, and Lighthouse Arabia to name a few. Remember, the shadow proves the sunshine.
