10 Mar 11 habits to help you live a more joyful life, according to a happiness expert
via Country Life by Lisa Walden
Live a happier, healthier life by implementing powerful habits into your daily routine. Whether it’s managing your social media diet or accepting what you can’t change, being intentional can help to get your mood on track — and boost those happiness hormones.
While the challenges of the pandemic have been high and mighty for us all, Vanessa King, a happiness expert and Head of Psychology & Workplaces at Action for Happiness, has revealed what we can do to live a happier and more positive life. Whatever season you’re facing, let these tips help you find joy everyday…
1. Dig for joy
If you’re struggling to find joy, there’s one simple yet powerful thing that can help: digging for joy. “Take a moment once a day to recognise the things that are good in your life. At the moment I’m calling it ‘having a dig for joy’ to find the little moments that make us happy in our day,” Vanessa tells Country Living.
“Our brains are naturally wired to focus on what’s wrong and we often overlook the little good things. It’s not saying to ignore the bad things, but there are also usually some good things to. If we stop to notice those things, it has both a physical and a psychological effect on us. These little moments can help to buffer against stress and anxiety. It’s a simple practice to do even on terrible days.”
2. Create something to look forward to
Encourage a sense of normality by planning for the days ahead. While the pages of our diaries sit as empty as the London commuter trains, penciling in a virtual coffee with a friend, a walk outside or a book to finish will give you purpose each day.
“Even if you’ve had a hard day, you can create something that sparks joy,” Vanessa explains. “Maybe it’s running yourself a nice hot bath or ringing a friend that makes me laugh. You can create something to look forward to — it doesn’t have to be a big thing. It trains your brain to notice things in the present.”
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