Five Things To Do More Often

Sometimes life gets a little crazy and we forget to do some things that will increase our overall happiness and well being.  This semester I'm working to become a more positive person, which means taking a step back for reflection every once in awhile. Here's a list of things to do more often to help you live a happier and healthier life. 

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One: Disconnect

Have you ever taken a moment to look up from your phone, in a public place, to notice that most of the people around you are glued to their phone? Break the trend and spend some time enjoying life for real rather than through a filtered life.  Put your phone away and enjoy the people and/or places that surround you. It's important to be present in the moment without the distractions of social media or that really annoying large group chat you're a part of. 

Two: Make time

I feel like everyone in society lives such a busy life.  Taking time out of your day to do something for you is important. Me time helps decrease your stress while increasing your overall sanity.  It's also important to make time for people you care about. This could be something as small as a text letting them know how much you care about them or mailing a card.  

Three:Practice gratitude 

Practicing gratitude increases happiness and satisfaction.  Acknowledging how thankful you are makes you appreciate the little things in life.  It helps you become less materialistic, which helps you enjoy the little things in life more.  Gratitude also helps make our memories happier by reducing our envious feelings. Practicing gratitude also allows you to acknowledge how much you appreciate the people around you and what they do for you, which in turn makes them feel good too. 

Four: Empathize

Empathy is the ability to care for others. By no means am I perfect at this, but this is definitely something I am working to become better at. Empathy is putting yourself in someone else's shoes in order to better understand their actions, behaviors, and words...even if they differ from your own. This certainly is no easy task. However, having empathy is a trait that will make your relationships and friendships stronger than they already are. Empathizing with people helps us become less judgmental and more accepting of others.  When you learn to better understand people, you're negative feelings towards them slowly dissipate. 

Five: Laugh

Laughing is good for the soul.  The average four year old laughs 300 times a day, but the average 40 year old only laughs four times a day. The more you laugh now, the more you will laugh the older you get. Laughing helps to invoke happy feelings and makes life less serious. If you're looking to laugh more, then surround yourself with funny people, tell more jokes, or follow some funny accounts via social media. 

Have a fabulous day!

XOXO