What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think of happiness?
Is it your Job? Your family? Sleep? Your car? Good food? Your pets? Holidays?
To be happy lies much more profound than our material possessions. This is about how we feel when we look at ourselves in the mirror, or whether or not people perceive us as a ‘joyful’ person. True happiness is multifaceted. Achieving the pure and deep satisfaction is essential to take the time to assess all pillars of happiness discussed below and consider how they may be relevant to your life.
1. Education & intellectual:
Being stimulated mentally and achieving a basic level of education is conducive to happiness. Assess whether or not you are content with your current intellectual status and make changes where needed! This may involve reading more books, going back to school, finding a more stimulating job, learning another language, or whatever your heart desires.
2. Health & Nutrition:
Keeping in good physical health is key for good mental health. It is crucial to consume a healthy whole food diet. The dietary contains essential vitamins and minerals, and it can help the body to receive sufficient nutrients to produce all of the hormones and neurotransmitters that keep us happy.
3. Movement:
Exercise produces endorphins that help us feel joy, keeps the body and mind flowing, and gives us a reason to feel proud of ourselves.
4. Social:
Maintaining social connections is vital- research shows that the more people we connect with each day, the happier we are! Invest time in your relationships and friendships, value your family, and get involved in your community to experience even deeper happiness.
5. Financial:
It is always arguable discussion about money over happiness. However, there is research that showed that all we need to feel happy and secure is enough money. Enough money allows us to get things we want, and it gives us options. We spend money to put a roof over our heads, to buy clothing and food. However, it may be the case that the more money you get does not equal to more happiness you earn. You should balance your needs to be truly happy. Move your focus away from material possessions and towards all the little moments in life that are truly important!
6. Environment:
This pillar of happiness refers to how comfortable we are in our external environment – our home, town, neighborhood, and country. Not only does this refer to the physical (such as nature, the standard of living), but also political (government policies) aspects of our environment.
7. One simple tip for cultivating more happiness:
Smile more! We all know that when we’re happy, we smile. But did you know that by smiling we can also make ourselves feel happy? and making those around us smiling too? Whether you’re feeling a bit blue or want to feel even more joyful than you already do, crack a smile and reap the happiness rewards!
‘Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come without leaving happier.’
– Mother Theresa