Can we start focusing on what really matters in life? Not politics, not social media and not the text you didn't get from your lover, but your own happiness. What is the purpose in this long life if we are going to spend it exuding effort into things that we know will make us upset?

Now, I will not attempt to explain the existential meaning of life - a question that may never be answered. However, I will say that every person's life should involve a great deal of happiness, over sorrow. So how do we remember to focus on what really matters? There are a few hacks to heading to a journey to happiness, and they aren't as hard as you'd think.

Always give yourself something to look forward to.

It could be something as small as the dinner you're going to eat after work or the trip you're planning during your time off. Being excited about something makes your current struggles worth it. Knowing you'll be able to get through the week and follow it up with a treat for yourself is very rewarding.

Relish the best moments of your life with photos.

The annoying photos that some people hate taking are all that you have to remember your happiest moments. It is said that a memory fades over time because it is actually remembering the last time you remembered it. This means that photos or home videos are all that you have to truly recall something in order to bring a smile back to your face.

Leave.

It’s as simple as that. If you are unhappy, chances are you feel stuck. Stuck in a town you’ve been living in for too long or to the same old routine you’ve been doing every day. If you need a vacation, take one. If you need to take a walk, do it. The best way to get stress out of our minds is to temporarily (or permanently) leave the setting that is evoking so many negative emotions. A new environment can create new stress and excitement which may either reassure your reason for needing change or help you understand that you have all you need right where you are.

Free yourself from negative people.

As much as it may pain us, sometimes it is best to completely cut ourselves off from the people who have done us wrong all too often. You’ll find yourself becoming happier and stress-free without the nuisance of the drama that certain individuals love to feed off of. These people are bored. They focus on putting all energy on others, rather than their own success. Don't give them what they want; focus on yourself.

Think Ahead.

If there’s something constantly eating at your mind, think ahead. Think ahead to a few years, months, or even weeks. If you know that this issue won’t matter to you then, it shouldn’t really matter right now. That 10-page research paper you're writing right now? It won't last forever. And this work week that you think is never-ending? You'll get through it. As long as your hard work, motivation, and success you are achieving now will greatly impact your future, that is all that matters.

Help Others.

When time is taken to listen to other people's struggles, it provides time to forget about your own just for a while. On the other hand, it helps you understand that the troubles you think you have really aren't so bad. Not only this, but offering guidance to friends is usually done with the best intentions, which means they are the most honest. If you ever come across similar issues, it is always the best to think about what you said to other people, in order to help yourself.