5 Tips for Bringing an Abundance of Happiness into Your Life

1. Know What are you grateful for

Did you know that approximately 80% of your habitual thoughts are negative? The brain is hardwired to pay more attention to negative experiences than to positive ones.

By consciously reminding yourself every day of everything that you have to be grateful for, you are helping to create new neural pathways in your brain. Feelings of gratitude stimulate a release of dopamine. The brain recognises this and encourages you to do more of whatever it was that brought about the happiness.

2. Avoid toxic influences in your life.

There are often people an experiences that leave us feeling less than good. Do more of what makes you feel good, and less of what doesn’t. It’s really that simple.

3. Spend less time on social media.

Although this fits nicely with the point above, I feel that it deserves it’s own limelight. Think less about what other people are doing and more about yourself. As Theodore Roosevelt says “Comparison is the thief of joy”.

4. Honour yourself.

There are many forms of self-care, pick the ones that work for you and bring you joy. But whatever it is make sure you set aside time weekly to refill your own cup.

5. Give.

Making a contribution to charity is incredibly rewarding, and can also be done in many forms. There are many charities, and many ways of contributing to the greater good of humanity.

I hope these tips help you to find some precious time for yourself in this busy and chaotic life we lead. There will always be a to-do list, people to see and things to get done, but we all need a chance and the permission to press pause, reconnect to our vision, values and ourselves.

For me, it means working on a bit of all of this. I know that my morning routine sets me up for a wonderful day, and that by avoiding toxic influences (including social media!) I can continue this throughout the day. And when I am happier, my whole family is happier.

You may want to get comfortable with just one or two things to start with. That’s totally fine. Just remember, that only you know what is best for you, and only you are in control of your thoughts, feelings and happiness.

I’d love to hear the ways that you cultivate happiness in your life. Please comment on the post to let me know!