7 small things you can do to be happier, today!

Every day there is a myriad of opportunities to put our best foot forward and step into a positive, satisfying mindset. By choosing these small actions we are consciously putting ourselves on the path to happiness. 

Here are 7 small things you can do to be happier today: 

1. Be patient

It’s amazing the difference that patience can make to your life each day – particularly when there are certainly endless instances that will test your patience daily. Whether it’s a slow-moving line at your favourite coffee shop, or a delay to your morning commute, you have a choice to lose your cool or to quite simply be patient. Of course, these moments are frustrating, however if you succumb to impatience and frustration with the little things, this can accumulate and affect your overall outlook. It might take some practice at first, but being patient is a wonderful first step in your pursuit of happiness. 

2. Smile

As Steve Maraboli says, ‘Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.’    When you wear a smile you are spreading the gift of goodwill each and every day. Plus, studies show that smiling helps you release endorphins, which increases your blood flow and lowers your blood pressure – meaning smiling is quite literally good for your heart! 

3. Come back to reality 

Never underestimate the power of being present and rooting yourself in reality. Left to its own devices, your brain will wander both into the future and way back to the past, leaving you swimming with thoughts. But, when you choose to be present, you are choosing to savour the moment and experience the here and now without judgement, but instead with awareness. Keeping your mind clear and focused. 

4. Listen to people 

A skill that life coaching teaches is to listen – really listen to others and refrain from offering opinions or input. It’s a profoundly impactful skill, as people want to be heard and engaged in a meaningful way. When you’re really listening to another you’re reacting to their story, as opposed to sharing your own. This is a powerful skill because it reminds you that sometimes it’s about others. It brings you out of your own experience and allows you to connect more deeply with the people in your life. 

5. Look within

It’s easy to fall into the mentality that happiness can be cultivated outside of yourself. Tradition and the media perpetuate the idea that being happy can be bought, however, the reality is that it starts from within. When you reflect on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and work to align these in a positive and healthy manner, you start to create a life that is rooted in happiness. 

6. Have a mantra 

A mantra is an affirmation to motivate and inspire you to be your best self. Research suggests that simply repeating your mantra out loud or in your mind can reduce stress, anxiety and increase your sense of wellbeing. Have a mantra that brings you joy and repeat it daily. 

7. Write down one good thing a day 

The simple act of ending each day by reflecting upon and writing down one good thing that happened will have a profound impact on your life. Not only will it teach you to look for something positive, even in the hardest days, it will also engrain gratitude into your daily routine. This will ultimately rewire your brain to look for the good and find joy in each day.

Happiness is an ongoing, life-long journey. Some days it may feel tougher than others to practice these simple, yet powerful acts of happiness, however committing to these small shifts will have a great impact on your sense of happiness… and perhaps even the happiness of those around you. 

If you are interested find out how life coaching can help people find joy and purpose in their lives, then please join us at one of our free Introduction to Life Coaching webinars.