Here at Modus Vivendi, we’ve always admired people who find joy even in the most trying times. Having a sense of health and happiness opens the door to contentment and purposeful living. In contrast, the loss of these two things can be limiting and downright discouraging. It’s easy to think of happiness as something that happens to you, but we believe being happy is a choice, a state of mind you must actively seek.
With that being said, here are 7 things to incorporate in your daily life when actively seeking to increase your health and happiness:
1. Have & Follow A Routine
For most people, the word “routine” can sound daunting. However, there are so many benefits to having one. Having daily rituals/routines in your life can help you feel more stable and less anxious. We know that emergencies will crop up, or things that will throw you off your schedule. But, by having a routine, and thus some structure in your life, it will make having a productive, less anxious day that much more likely.
2. Exercise Daily (Even if it’s just 10 minutes)
Making sure you’re moving enough every day makes a significant impact on your mood and your health. Even if it’s just a walk on your lunch break or a ten-minute Sun Salutation in the morning, taking 10 minutes every day to focus on yourself and check in with your body will get your endorphins right up.
3. Sit In Nature
The release of stress is one of the most well-known benefits of being in nature. Getting outdoors, or just merely viewing scenes of life, can reduce your anger, fear, and stress and increases more pleasant feelings inside you. Don’t let cold weather stop you either – going outside when it’s cold will just make you appreciate the warmth when your back indoors.
4. Make Conversations
Isolation can be the biggest contributor to overall unhappiness (even for introverts!). In fact, a recent study showed that social isolation could be more harmful than obesity. Whether it’s a conversation on the telephone or a chat in person, conversing with others will help you feel more connected to the world around you and more grounded in your own life.
5. Eat Foods That Makes You Happy
While the cheeseburger and fries may hit the spot in the short term, the feelings of bloatation and slugginess that comes afterward can take a serious hit on our mood. Recent research has shown that many foods work with your brain to make you feel happier and more relaxed. Many foods also have similar effects on the body as taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication. Some of these foods include avocado, berries, chicken, dark chocolate, salmon, and spinach. Click here for more foods that make you happy.
6. Get Enough Zzz’s
As cliche as this sounds, having a good night’s sleep (regularly) is crucial for your health and well being. Studies show that skimping on sleep is the worst thing you can do as it will only cause you concentration problems and irritable moods that affect the way you move through your daily life.
7. Check In With Yourself
To actively seek a healthier and happier you, self-reflection is key. As yourself, what do I need physically? What do I need emotionally? What do I need spiritually? Once you’ve identified what your mind, body, and soul needs (professionally, romantically, or other realms of personal growth) only then can you communicate it to other people. Moreover, when you can communicate it to other people, you can communicate it to yourself, thus giving yourself what you need.
Take Away
Making these seven habits an integrated part of your life can really help when actively seeking the health and happiness you desire for your life. Getting into the practice of make these habits an intentional way of life may be slow and gradual at first. You may even revert to unhealthy habits or slip up once in a while. However, what’s important is recognizing that it’s not about the destination, but the journey.
