Navigating through life can sometimes feel like you’re riding along on a roller coaster. There are ups and downs and sometimes you might feel like you are upside down. This is actually quite normal for everyone.
Life is like a roller coaster. There are times when you’re up and times when you’re down. There are also times where things seem to be going along smoothly.
However, if you’re suffering from more sadness or depression than you’d like, then you may want to do a bit of exploration. Temporary sadness is common and legit. After all, life can throw some tough things our way. But if those negative feelings persist, there are some tools you can learn and use to help you get back on the upswing.
Chances are, you want to feel happy most of the time, right?
Here are 5 great ways you can boost your happiness beginning today:
1. Meditation
If done consistently, meditation can surely boost your happiness and peace levels. This simple process will allow you to take control of your thoughts and emotions. Wouldn’t that be nice? With incessant thoughts bombarding us, having some moments of peace and clarity can be wonderful.
To practice meditation, simply take some time each day to get quiet and go within. Close your eyes and focus on your inbreath and outbreath. Relax your entire body. You can do this sitting or lying down.
Begin with just a few minutes. When a thought comes to mind, simply observe it and then let it go. It’s normal for thoughts to flow through the mind. The goal of meditation is to become a witness of them. As you acknowledge them, they lose their power over you and you can let them float away. If you do this consistently, you’ll notice that throughout the day, you’re struggling less with negative thoughts, ultimately experiencing more joy.
2. Dance: Get Happy on The Dance Floor!
Most people admit that they love dancing – even if they don’t dance in public. Typically, though, they don’t dance in public because they are afraid of being ridiculed. They’re self-conscious and may not have confidence in their dance moves.
I can relate. I used to feel that way. In fact, I used to think to myself if I could just feel free to dance in public, I would be elated. I would then know that I’ve overcome that fear and could walk in freedom.
It took some time, but I have overcome that fear and now I feel free to dance whenever I want.
But you don’t have to dance in public to get the benefits. You can bust moves right in your own home.
Dance can put you in that happy state where you will feel like you’re on top of the world. Throw on your favorite music and get your body moving. You’ll find your mood improving almost immediately.
3. Kundalini Yoga: The Divine Look At Life
Kundalini Yoga is a spiritual practice. It metaphorically symbolizes the “coiled snake” within your spine that wants to be released to move up the spine. This type of breathwork yoga allows you to unblock areas of your energy centers (some call them chakras) so that spiritual energy can be released within and flow nicely. As with the well-known types of yoga, kundalini involved particular body positions and breathwork. Some love it and others stick to other forms of yoga, prayer, or some other ritual or spiritual practice. For those committed to kundalini yoga, they tend to report that they feel healthier, stronger, and generally happier.
4. Breathwork
Breathwork can be used to help you relax, have inner peace, and feel happier. A relaxed, focused deep breath will relax the muscles and temporarily clear your mind of negative thoughts. Start paying attention to the way you breathe throughout the day. Are your breaths shallow or deep.
A wonderful breathwork practice to use if you’re feeling anxious is to slowly inhale to the count of four, hold it for two seconds, then exhale to the count of six. This gives a message to your nervous system that it’s safe, which can help you feel more relaxed.
Mindfulness involved paying attention to your breath moment by moment. Typically, if you’re paying attention to your breath, you’re not thinking about the past or the future. You’re in the present, and it’s in the present moments that we actually feel more peace and joy. So, make it your aim to be more mindful of your breath as you go about your day.
5. Get Into Nature
Many people report that getting out into nature regularly helps them feel less stressed and happier. You've probably gone on a vacation before somewhere in nature. Maybe it was at the beach or in the mountains.
Remember how relaxed and joyful you felt when you were basking in the natural beauty of the earth? You don't have to go on vacation to enjoy nature. It's likely there are some nature trails in your area or a beautiful park that you can visit. You may be able to just go into your backyard and sit quietly and take it all in. Make it your aim to enjoy the healing vibes of nature more consistently. It's likely that your happiness levels will increase as well.
Wrapping It Up
No matter where your happiness level is right now, there are some things you can do to boost it. Perhaps these tips can help you enjoy more joy. You do not have to settle for long-term sadness or blasé living. Make the effort to give yourself a happiness boost regularly.
You’ll be glad you did!
Photo by Spencer Selover from Pexels
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