7 Tips for a Happier Life

Everything in life isn’t rainbows and butterflies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy life! It just takes some work and effort on your part. If you want to be happier, you first need to understand what makes you happy in the first place—and then take steps to make it happen! Here are seven tips to live a happier life.

 1) Eat nourishing food.

A healthy diet is paramount to living a happy life. Foods high in carbohydrates, sodium, and trans fats can mess with your moods. Aim to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet—these foods are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that help decrease oxidative stress on cells.

2) Surround yourself with positive people

The people you surround yourself with are crucial to your happiness. If you want to be happy, don’t surround yourself with negative people who can bring you down and make you feel terrible about yourself. Instead, choose friends that lift you when you need them and help keep things in perspective. When possible, avoid family members or co-workers who bring negativity into your life because it makes all aspects of your life worse.

3) Learn how to say no

Saying no can be hard—especially when you feel like you’re being taken advantage of or that saying yes is going to make someone happy. The important thing to remember here is that saying no isn’t mean; it isn’t rude, and it doesn’t make you a bad person. Saying no shows self-control and good boundaries, which will help lead to happier days overall.

4) Write down things you are grateful for every day

Gratitude is one of those happy-life habits that’s proven to reduce stress and improve your emotional well-being. People who write down three things they are grateful for every day show increased optimism, less negative emotion, more happiness and—perhaps most important—better sleep quality. So start by writing down three things you are grateful for before bed. Do it every night. Before long, you’ll train yourself to shift your focus from what went wrong during your day to all that went right.

5) Get regular exercise.

Exercise releases endorphins into your brain, which makes you happier. It also helps strengthen your heart and improve your sleep, both of which can contribute to an increased sense of well-being. If you’re looking to start living healthier, consider signing up for an exercise class at your local gym—and make sure to get plenty of Zs!

6) Have hobbies that make you happy

Staying busy will help to ensure that you live a happy life. Have hobbies and interests outside of work to help you relax, unwind, and have fun. You should always be looking to make your life happier, so take up things that give you joy. Go shopping with friends or family and try new activities, then reflect on what makes you happy in life.

7) Let go of guilt

Forgiveness is vital to having a happier life. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to put something behind us, we can’t help but let it bother us. If you find yourself feeling guilty over something, no matter how minor, see if you can bring some closure to it. Write an apology letter or say what you need to say in person and then take steps to forgive yourself and move on. Living with guilt will only hold you back from experiencing true happiness!