You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.

How to Find Happiness in Your Life

If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:

• Focus on positives rather than on negatives.
• Think about all the people and things that you’re grateful for.
• Smile more often (studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can release hormones that increase happiness and reduce stress).
• Implement a morning routine that incorporates stretching, meditating, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.
• Increase your activity level (be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen).
• Sleep more (most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night).
• Connect with friends and family members, either in person or over the phone.
• Spend more time in nature.
• Volunteer at an organization that’s meaningful to you.

Start Living a Happier Life

If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but we’ll supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

Are you struggling to find joy in your everyday life? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a difficult time achieving happiness, and yet it’s critical for our health and well-being—happiness can reduce stress, lower our blood pressure, improve our cardiovascular health, strengthen our immune systems, and help us sleep better. Some studies show that being happy can even lead to us feeling less pain. Happiness can also cause us to feel more optimistic, enhance our productivity and problem-solving skills, and improve our relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.

With all of that in mind, here are nine things you can do on a daily basis to help you start feeling happier:

1. Exercise.
2. Eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids (and avoid skipping meals and eating deep-fried or highly processed foods).
3. Sleep for at least seven hours each night.
4. Use breathing exercises whenever you begin feeling stressed.
5. Put away items in the proper place to eliminate clutter in your home and workplace.
6. Spend time with friends and family, whether in person or over the phone.
7. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for.
8. Smile even when you’re not feeling happy.
9. Pay someone a compliment.

It’s Time to Get Happy

If you’re looking for ways to become a happier person, contact us today. Our caring therapists can provide you with customized advice on lifestyle changes you can make to boost your happiness. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the first step toward enhancing your quality of life.