Happiness isn’t something that can be constantly maintained, even by the most upbeat people. It’s a fleeting emotion that ebbs and flows throughout our daily lives. While it’s unrealistic to expect to be happy all the time, there are simple actions you can take to increase the moments of joy you experience. If you’re wondering how to be happier, consider incorporating these strategies into your routine.
Reconnect with Childhood Joys
One of the most effective ways to enhance happiness is by tapping into the joy you experienced as a child. This isn’t about reliving your entire childhood, but rather revisiting activities that brought you pure, unfiltered joy before adult life complicated things. Think about the things you loved: arts and crafts, riding bikes with no destination, reading for fun, or playing games just for fun.
The key is to do something for enjoyment’s sake, with no expectations attached. It’s about freedom, creativity, and play—no pressure to perform or succeed. Whether rediscovering a childhood hobby or engaging in a spontaneous moment of fun, allow yourself to enjoy things without overthinking. These moments can bring a surprising amount of happiness to your life.
Let Go of Regret and Practice Self-Compassion
Regret can be a significant happiness killer. We often fixate on past mistakes, leading to self-criticism and dissatisfaction. However, this can be avoided by reframing our decisions and practicing self-compassion. When you feel regret creeping in, pause and assess why you made the choices you did. Often, we make decisions based on what we know and the circumstances at the time. Learn from your past, forgive yourself, and move forward.
It’s also important to be kinder to yourself. We tend to speak to ourselves harshly in ways we wouldn’t to a friend. Imagine a friend coming to you with a problem—would you respond with judgment or offer support? Shift that mindset toward yourself. Be gentle and compassionate, and this will help lighten your emotional load, nurturing happiness.
Focus on the Good in Life
Humans have a natural tendency to focus on the negative, called the "negativity bias." This means that bad experiences often overshadow good ones in our minds. While it’s important to acknowledge challenges, it’s equally crucial to recognize and appreciate positive moments. Even on rough days, there are often small pockets of goodness we overlook in our rush to address what’s wrong.
Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset. Try pausing throughout the day to notice the good things. Whether it’s a moment of kindness from a colleague, the warmth of the sun, or the joy of a delicious meal, these small positive moments can have a cumulative effect on your well-being. A simple practice, like reflecting on the “roses” (good things) and “thorns” (bad things) of your day, can help you focus more on what brings joy.
Ultimately, happiness is a practice, not a permanent state. By revisiting what brought you joy in the past, embracing self-compassion, and consciously appreciating the good things, you can cultivate more happiness in your daily life.
Dr. David Hall is the owner of Hall Chiropractic Center. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Hall is proud to serve the residents of Tega Cay and Fort Mill.
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