7 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Chances of Happiness in Life

Happiness is a tricky thing to find, let alone keep hold of. Each of us wants to be happy, but we lead such busy lives that it's sometimes hard to find the time and space to be satisfied. When you think about it logically, happiness makes sense as the ultimate goal in life. After all, what else would you strive for, if not happiness? But in reality, things are pretty different. Studies show that today's society is generally less happy than ever before. And while our circumstances often dictate how happy we can be at any given moment, there are things that anyone can do every day to improve their chances of achieving long-lasting happiness. Here are 10 ways you can do just that:


Practice Gratitude

The first step towards happiness is to appreciate what you have. When life hands you challenges, it's easy to focus on the things you don't have. But gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help you see the good in your life and appreciate things others might take for granted. A daily practice of gratitude can make all the difference to how happy you are. You can nurture a sense of gratitude in many different ways. Write a gratitude list each week. Keep a gratitude journal in which you write down one thing you're grateful for daily. Or use an app like Happify, which helps you learn the art of gratitude and practice gratitude daily. Although gratitude is a long-term strategy, the benefits are well worth it. Research shows that gratitude is one of the most potent happiness-boosting strategies.


Identify What Isn't Making You Happy

If you want to be happier in life, you have to ensure that you aren't spending time on things that don't make you happy. This may sound obvious, but research suggests that most don't do it. Most people ignore the things that aren't bringing them happiness. So, identifying aspects of your life that aren't making you happy is essential. What drains your energy? What activities bring you down? What people or relationships are taking a toll on you? Make a list of everything that's making your life less fulfilling, and then take action. Cut out the things that aren't bringing you happiness. Start spending time with new people. Nip negative relationships in the bud before they have a chance to take a toll on you.


Connect Spiritually

Spirituality is an essential part of being human, as spiritual expert Robert Bremer will attest to. It encourages us to think beyond ourselves and lift us beyond the limits of our five senses to reach out and connect with other people, nature, and something bigger than ourselves. Research shows that connecting with a higher power is one of the most effective ways of boosting your happiness and wellbeing. And it's a strategy anyone can use, regardless of religion or belief system. Whether you ask what is a psychic reading or delve into optics to help you meditate, pray, or spend time in nature, connecting spiritually can significantly impact your wellbeing. And like gratitude, it's a long-term strategy that can be sustained throughout your life.


Nourish Your Body

No one can be happy when they're unhealthy. According to research, there is a link between good health and happiness. And when it comes to your diet, three things are particularly important for happiness: protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is the building block for your body, and it's essential for everything from your immune system to your mood. Fiber is a carbohydrate that helps keep your digestive system healthy and your blood sugar under control. And omega-3 fatty acids are a type of anti-inflammatory fat that is essential for good mental health. Choose foods rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3s, and your body will thank you. You'll be healthier, happier, and more likely to achieve your long-term goals in life.


Celebrate The Small Wins

Most people spend their lives striving for big, lofty goals. They want to win the Nobel Prize or publish a best-selling novel. They aim to raise a happy family, earn a six-figure salary, and own their own home. But these lofty goals can be challenging to achieve and may even put you under a lot of stress. And when you're under a lot of pressure, it's hard to be happy. So instead of aiming for big, lofty goals, make time for more modest achievements along the way. Instead of spending years trying to win a Nobel Prize, celebrate every time you make a small step towards one of your goals. Research shows that celebrating small wins can significantly impact your wellbeing. And the good news is that you don't have to wait until you've achieved your lofty goals. You can celebrate the small wins right now.


Surround Yourself With Positive People

Most people spend a significant amount of time with their family and friends. And if negative people surround you, it will impact your happiness. So if people in your life are bringing you down, it may be worth considering whether they're worth keeping in your life. Research shows that the people in your life do have a significant impact on your happiness. It's not just their actions but their attitudes and outlook on life that matter. If people in your life are bringing you down, it's worth considering whether you should spend less time with them. If there are people who lift you and make you feel more positive in life, make time for them. Spend more time with the positive people in your life.


Smile
The last way to improve your chances of happiness in life is to smile more. It may sound silly, but research shows that smiling makes you feel happier. And when you feel more comfortable, you're more likely to succeed in life and achieve your goals. It's hard to be negative or frustrated when you're smiling. And when you smile, people respond to you more positively. They feel happier around you and are more likely to help you achieve your goals. In fact, smiling can even help you to live longer. So if you want to improve your chances of happiness in life, make it a habit to smile. It's one of the easiest tricks to boost your happiness.