12 Steps To Being Happier:

12 Steps To Being Happier:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others- This is something that is easier said than done as it is so easy to compare ourselves to another individual- it is generally done without us even having the realisation that we are doing it... socially, physically, financially. This is a dangerous thing to do as you will ALWAYS have friends who are are more popular than you, prettier than you, thinner than you, who can run faster than you and who have more money than you. The first step to being happier is to focus on your own life and your own goals.

2. Do regular exercise- It has been proven that there is a strong relationship between physical health and happiness. The second step to being happier involves eating right, exercising regularly and just taking general care of your body as it can make you feel more stable, in control and in turn, happier. 

3. Be grateful- When we regularly take the time to be appreciative for the things we are given and have, we are less likely to take them for granted and become jealous of others. The third step to being happier is to take the time to be thankful.

4. Embrace routine- Although we think we are happier with constant choices and variety (because we don't want to feel overwhelmed) studies have shown that we are actually happier with limited options. The fourth step to being happier is to embrace routines and stick to them as they help limit choices and make us more comfortable, at ease and happy. 

5. Help others- Boosting your happiness can be aided by helping others. For instance volunteering at homeless shelters or old age homes etc or even just being helpful in your every day life; even if its just picking up something a stranger has just dropped! the fifth step to being happier is by thinking of others. 

6. Practice moderation- Too much of something good is a bad thing. Indulgence is important but in moderation! this involves everything from food and drink to partying to taking a day off etc. The sixth step to being happier is letting yourself indulge in small doses.

7. Get enough sleep- I know I know, you've heard this a thousand times.. and even I don't really take this to heart but getting enough sleep is an essential component of good health. When you are not well rested, your body and mind don't operate properly and your mood suffers which can in turn, affect how you treat others. The seventh step to happiness is getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. (fun fact- the French believe that the sleep had before 12am matters double the amount than after)

8. Have close relationships- Having 20 friends who you rarely see, rarely converse with and whose relationship you find yourself getting little out of is bound to stunt happiness but having fewer, closer friends has been proven to increase the likelihood of happiness. The eighth step to being happier is to foster closer relationships. 

9. Be intimate- Being intimate (especially with someone you love) is considered as the top source of happiness as it can make us emotionally and mentally more balanced, it is a pain reliever and it can make us feel more bonded with our partner. The ninth step to being happier is to become regularly intimate with your partner. 

10. Find meaningful work/studies- Fulfilling work, that interests you helps add 'meaning' to your life which can make you feel happier on a daily basis. Some argue that your job is your job and it shouldn't be enjoyable but I strongly disagree, I don't believe you should turn your top hobby into your job (because then you will lose the freedom that comes with the hobby) but I do believe you should study/work, learning and practicing things you love and are interested in. The tenth  step to being happier is vocation. 

11. Never dwell on the past- Letting your past eat away at you is common but rather than concentrating on mistakes you possibly made, focus on the present by focussing on not making those mistakes again and living in the moment. The eleventh step to happiness is making your skeletons dance and focussing on NOW. 

12. Set and pursue goals- Setting goals is extremely important as the road to happiness is not an immediate journey, it is filled with milestones and goals that you have set for yourself. Setting and pursuing goals can make you happier as it gives you something to strive towards and potentially, something to succeed at and be proud of yourself for. The twelfth and last step to being happier is realising that the road to happiness is filled with goals and setting them for yourself is essential.

X Zo