Do you think we’re exaggerating? Think again.
Do you think you need breakthroughs and big changes in life to be happier and feel fulfilled? The truth is that no, you don’t need to lose weight, dye your hair a different color, or wear the latest fashion trends prescribed by Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs, to boost your self-esteem and allow yourself to be happy. In reality, you need much simpler (and cheaper) things to bring more bliss in your life. So here’s what will let you subtract the anxiety and multiply your happiness.
Sleep
Sleep quality and quantity will translate in a better (awake) life. If you are consistently sleep deprived you will find your mood to decline; you are irritable, grouchy, unproductive and unable to focus.
The worst consequence of bad sleeping habits though is stress and we know for a fact that stressed people are not happy people. Make your bedroom a place for sleep only. Don’t watch TV to fall asleep, don’t bring your tablet or smartphone with you. This way you condition your brain to think bedroom is for sleeping. But how much sleep do I need? Adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
Use this trick to really find out the amount of sleep you need. You should wake up naturally and not forced. So if you have trouble waking up with the 6th snooze, you probably are sleep deprived.
Accept yourself
We are constantly bombarded with have-tos and must’s that we end up feeling inadequate in most aspects of our lives. We need to be sexier, skinnier,
It’s important that you have aspirations and strive for growth but, be careful when your aspirations are externally forced and not stemming from a deeper, personal need to change/grow. Accept who you are, learn to love yourself despite your flaws. Become self-aware of your many blessings and come to terms with your imperfections. Finally, understand that right now, the person you are at this moment is a worthy, beautiful girl that the only approval she needs is that of her own.
Trust Mother Nature
Reconnect with nature. Don’t let the big, faceless, concrete city sap your energy and soul.
Visit the park many times during the week. Run by the seaside instead of the treadmill and meditate on your balcony overlooking a roof garden across the street. Have a picnic instead of a lunchbreak with your iPhone. Getting closer to nature reignites our mood and tunes it to a more positive, mindful frequency. You don’t need to give up your job and become a farmer; place a plant on your desk and re-arrange your desk office to overlook the park. Small tweaks like this can make a whole lot of difference.