The Only Thing You Need to Do to Become Happier
We do a lot in the pursuit of happiness, from treating ourselves to the food we love, the company we keep, the passion we look for in life, etc. Everything comes down to finding more joy, and we tend to overcomplicate it. There is only one thing you need to do to become happier.
Okay, I’ll admit, it might be a little more complicated than that, happiness means different things for different people. However, this guide will show you the only thing you need to do to become happier. Plus, check out the techniques you can use daily to increase joy regularly.
What is Happiness
Happiness is something we all seek to find. It is a state of being so joyful and positive, so much so that it can lead to physical benefits such as a boost in cardiovascular health, an improved immune system, reduced inflammation, and a decrease in blood pressure.
Happiness is not simply about being positive 24/7. Since it is such a broad definition, your emotional state of wellbeing is usually used to define happiness. It involves a balance of positive emotions and an overall outlook on life. There are also different types of happiness, ranging from satisfaction and fulfillment, to being content. In search of happiness, there are many things we try to do.
Techniques
There are many techniques people use to increase happiness. From the popular act of romanticizing life to mental health activities such as meditation, we always strive for positivity and better feelings.
For example, in the case of romanticizing life, there is a focus on enjoying the little things and introducing magical moments in the mundane. It’s easy to eat a fruit bowl, but it’s a lot more fun to eat a fruit bowl in the shape of hearts. Simple things like that can make life a bit more enjoyable, therefore increasing happiness. A mental health activity such as meditation has been proven to help regulate emotions, decrease stress, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. This in turn can help increase happiness.
Other things people do to find joy include hobbies, self-care exercises, finding healthy relationships and connecting to people, and many other small daily activities. Some look to target certain happiness chemicals and try activities to raise them in the body. So many options for happiness.
However, this can all get very overwhelming. What can you do today in order to find more happiness? Is there a simple technique or guide that you can follow? Look no further.
How to Become Happier – Change One Thing
So, what is the only thing you need to do to become happier? Change one thing. That’s it. In the pursuit of happiness, it can be common to become overwhelmed in the face of so many different techniques, daily habits, and areas you need to work on. If you try to juggle too many different things at once, you may end up getting overwhelmed and doing nothing. There are so many different ways to cultivate happiness, but they are not all right for everyone, and trying to do too many things at once is not sustainable.
When you want to change, in any area of life, it’s important to start small and take it one step at a time. Focus on changing one thing. Try to start small and do one thing daily that will increase happiness. This can be smiling more, journaling, meditating, going outside for a walk, learning a new hobby, and many other things. But only do one thing at a time.
A 5-Step Plan
Still, sounding a bit complicated? Here is a five-step plan for you to change one thing and become happier.
1. Start Small
As stated before, trying to change too much at once can be detrimental to growth. It’s important to start small in terms of your one change. For example, if you want to focus on increasing physical activity in order to increase happiness due to the dopamine that is released, then start doing physical activity slowly. Aim to do maybe 10 to 15 minutes daily of exercise. Once you start making physical activity a daily habit, it’ll be easier to increase the intensity or duration of your exercise. The important first step is to start small in order to slowly introduce your mind and body to the new habit.
2. One Change
It’s essential to focus on one thing first. If you’re trying to romanticize life, journal, meditate, and do yoga, and more and more and more, then it’s a burden. This is especially true if you’re not used to doing all these things. You may start only doing these activities half-heartedly, or start to feel as if they are a chore. That is why it is so important to start with one change. Incorporate a 5-minute meditation daily, and focus on doing that until you love meditating, until it fills you with peace and calmness, and then try another change.
3. Be Present
Once you pick your one small change, make sure you are truly engaging in the activity. Be present with yourself and with whatever you are doing. Do not think of anything else except your one activity. Being mindful during this can be a great way to increase Joy and boost overall wellness. Mindfulness has many benefits, and using it during your daily habit or activity is vital.
4. Enjoy
Along with being mindful, enjoy it. This is one small change you are doing for yourself. Acknowledge that the purpose of this small change is to have a huge impact on your mental and physical wellness. This is something you are doing for yourself, to grow and become a better version of yourself.
5. Be Grateful
Gratitude is one of the only proven ways to raise baseline happiness. It is the essence of all happiness techniques. Gratitude makes us conscious of what we have and thankful for it. Be grateful that you are giving yourself a small change in order to grow and thrive.
The Takeaway
So what is the only thing you need to do to become happier? It’s just one small thing. That’s it. There’s no right answer, but the five-step plan stays the same. You get to choose the one change you want to make and all you need to do is change one thing at a time. Make the change small enough so that you start to get into the habit of it. Be present and enjoy the moment you are making this change, and be grateful that you are taking time to do something for yourself.
Remember that health comes from within. Eat nutrient-dense meals, exercise when you can, at least 3 times a week, and take care of your mental health. Daily habits become the building blocks for emotional, mental, and physical health. Take care of your gut health too! Learn everything you need to know about gut microbiota today for free here.
