Happiness is a way of life, a state of enjoyment and being content with yourself at that point in time. When I Googled "happiness" this is the image that came up showing the use of this word over time.
The graph show the line of happiness going down pretty significantly. We have to power to change that. I have put together a list of 20 exercises for you to use daily to reach your full potential of happiness.
1. Smile. From the time you wake up until you go to bed. Sometimes all people need is a smile to give them hope that their bad day can turn around.
2. Don't compare yourself to others. You are beautiful inside and out. Everyone lives a very different life than you and it's not fair to try to compare your life to theirs. You have many strengths and weaknesses that make you, you.
3. Follow your dreams. Don't be afraid to let your dreams come true. You deserve the absolute BEST in life.
4. Exercise. Exercising releases endorphins to help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and to help stay physically fit. It's fun too.
5. Journal. Writing in a journal or a blog at least once a week can help to declutter your brain. It will make room for new ideas and help you move on from the past.
6. Laugh. Watch a funny show, hang out with friends, or tell a joke. Keeping your spirits high will help remove any negativity in your life.
7. Pay it forward. Do something nice for someone. It will clear your conscious and make someone else's day, and yours, a little brighter. It is also a very good movie.
8. Watch the sunset. Sunsets are a daily gift from the Earth. The colors in the sky reflect off of the mountains, trees, and water to give you three minutes of absolute beauty.
9. Tell someone you love them. Relationships are a lot of work. Telling someone you love them will ensure endless amounts of bliss and a long lasting friendship.
10. Drink a cup of coffee. Or tea for that matter. A little cup of joy in the morning will give you all day happiness. I like to add sweetness (creamer) to my cup of joy when I wake up.
11. Buy flowers for yourself. Any kind will do. Holding flowers is like holding sunshine. They will instantly brighten your mood and your kitchen table.
12. Look at the glass half full. Be an optimist. Positivity is an amazing trait to have and helps to outweigh any negativity that is bringing you down.
13. Finish something you have started. Finish a book you have been reading. Watch a movie that you still have never seen the end of. Finish a whole carton of ice cream if you would like. Life is meant to do what you want to do. Do not let anyone stop you.
14. Take time for yourself. Hanging out with friends is sometimes the best thing in the world. Also hang out with yourself. Whether that be meditating, doing your favorite hobby, or just relaxing, make sure to leave a little time for yourself each day.
15. Don't apologize. This is my number one habit. I think it comes as a filler phrase when something doesn't go as planned. You don't need to apologize for accidentally tapping someone while you are walking next to them. Here is a link to an ad by Pantene encouraging woman to not say sorry: http://ti.me/1nPP0AX
16. Make a home cooked meal. Even if it is over-cooked pasta and sauce from a can, you still took the time to make it, and you should enjoy it. Or try a new recipe that you have pinned a hundred times on your Pinterest board.
17. Wear your favorite outfit. Wear a crazy outfit for that matter. Nobody can judge you if you don't let them. Follow the trends or make your own. Being stylish is about how you want to look, not how others tell you how you have to look.
18. Set your phone down for a hour. Have a nice conversation with your roommate. Go on a run. Read a book. Let your mind rest for an hour without social media or texting. I encourage you to see the benefits of this after just one short week.
19. Be silly. Every minute of your life doesn't have to be serious. Play a joke on your colleague or mess around with your friends.
20. Be HAPPY. This may sound easier said than done, but if you follow all of these little tips, you will find pure bliss.
Stop waiting for your happiness to come. Have a little fun and don't worry what other people think of you. In the end, your happiness is up to you!