After these last couple of years we have all had our share of hard times. Whether you have been unemployed or an Essential Worker, working from home while tending to your children and your pets or living alone. It has been difficult to navigate these uncertain waters. We feel like we are just surviving. But when can we feel happy again? A woman with cancer and a 2% chance of surviving said, “You have to choose to be happy now, you can’t wait for things to get better.” I truly believe that sentiment. But how can we just choose to be happy, what does that mean? Let me share some tips on how I find Happiness on a daily basis, and so can you.
FIRST WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS DURING HARD TIMES
ROUTINE: Even if you are unemployed right now and feeling cooped up in the house, there are still a lot of ways to keep to a regimen and feel more successful in your day-to-day routine. Success Isn’t always about making money or showing off. A lot of the biggest successes we create actually happen because of the smaller details of our life that seem minut. Do not take your routines for granted. So make your bed, prep your meals, clean your home, learn something new, finish that home project you have been putting off, and most importantly create some time everyday just for yourself. This tip works for every type of person. You may be an Essential Worker or a work from home parent. Everyone needs time for themselves. its that good ol’ saying, “you cant take care of others if you’re dead.” read some chapters out of your favorite book, watch your favorite television program, take a stroll around the block, listen to some music, write in your journal. It doesn’t matter what you do, just make sure to do something you love, just for you, everyday.
SECOND WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS DURING HARD TIMES
EXERCISE: A lot of people probably do not want to hear this but even exercising just a small amount each day will make you happy. The things that end up making us the happiest are the things that we work for. Things that can come easy can be fun, but unfortunately they are short lived. By now, most of us probably already know that Exercising releases endorphins. If that’s not proof enough that exercising will make you happy then let me hit you with this known saying, “when you look good, you feel good.” If you keep at your exercise routine, even for just 5 minutes a day, you will feel healthy, happy and accomplished for just getting it done and achieving your health goals. Now let me share some tips on getting started. That really is the hardest part isn’t it? If you are like me and avoid going to the Gym at all costs then I recommend working out from home. No you do not need an in-home gym. You don’t even need a bunch of equipment. Having a couple dumb bells or a yoga matt doesn’t hurt. But, really no equipment is necessary. Decide what type of fitness goals you are wanting to achieve. do you want to just tone up a bit? Are you deciding to go full blown muscle mania? Maybe you would just like to strengthen your core and feel more flexible. Once I decided what body type and health goals I was aiming for I started searching YouTube for the perfect fitness routine. The great thing about utilizing this tool is that YouTube is free and there is a Fitness Guru for every type and level. My personal favorite is Chloe Ting. She has so many exercise videos to check out. Most of her videos need no equipment and are ten to twenty minutes each. They are low impact and it is easy to follow along. Even the most novice person will feel so happy that they followed through with there Exercise routine!
If you would rather go on a hike for your workout make sure to check out Best Places for a Mid-day City Hike in Portland Oregon – Well-Rounded Woman PNW
THIRD WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS DURING HARD TIMES
DRINK WATER: Yes, water really does the body good. It also does the mind good. It helps to give us energy, stay focused, keeps those nagging headaches away, and make us happy! I’m not saying you have to get rid of all the flavored drinks and coffees you love. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water as well. This seems like a really small tip. Although, you would be surprised how pleased with yourself you will be when you drink the amount of water recommended for your daily intake. Its a cool achievement that will have you smiling. Awe, doesn’t smiling feel nice?
FOURTH WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS DURING HARD TIMES
SET GOALS: So far, although, seemingly small, all of the things I have mentioned are daily goals. Now I’m talking longer term goals. Still, it doesn’t need to be anything crazy or huge. It can be anything you’ve just always wanted to do and haven’t yet. Or, it can be something you have done already and want to do again. Get out a legal pad, or crack open your laptop. Start writing down your goals or your bucket list. Not everything needs to be something you can achieve right away. The key here is to always have something to look forward to. We always need something that excites us, that makes us hopeful about the future. The anticipation of our future endeavors is sure to keep the spark alive.
If you are looking for inspiration on creating your bucket list check out Pinterest
FIFTH WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS DURING HARD TIMES
STAY CONNECTED: There are so many different ways to stay connected. There is the ever-growing social media. However, why not have a throwback to a time where we sent each other letters through the mail. I had a friend that sent me a scribbled Picture of her toddlers newest and best artwork through the mail. She didn’t even tell me she was going to send me anything. It showed up unexpectedly in my mail box. It was a very sweet surprise indeed! Although, speaking to someone in any form just isn’t enough. We have had to get used to not experiencing physical touch during these times. Which has been proven to hurt us psychologically. Our basic human nature relies on physical touch to let us know how we are being perceived by others. A simple Tap on the shoulder or rub on the back can make us feel secure and accepted. While there is not always a way for everyone to receive physical touch by other people you can, adopt or shelter a pet. A cat or Dog can love a good snuggle, and for obvious reasons, be the soothing touch that you need to sooth your mind and make you happy. It has also been suggested that using a heating pad for short periods of timing can also mimic the feeling of another persons body. It can trigger your mind in the same way as when you receive a warm hug. So have a chat on the phone with your mom and have a snuggle with your cat. It really can make this world feel like a happier place.
These are all very simple yet effective ways of finding happiness in your daily life. give it a try, I’m positive it will make you feel happy too. Don’t wait for things to get better – be happy now!
