HOW TO: find your happy place daily
Hello washies! With a change in season approaching, this is the perfect time to embrace new awakenings and elevate your happy place. Below I have compiled some simple and meaningful ways for you to achieve happy like a boss!
Gratitude journal
The practice of gratitude can be expressed in many ways. One of my favorite ways to capture joy and gratitude is with journaling. Please remember, it does not have to be fancy or time consuming but rather, you can spend 10-15 minutes each day writing the things for which you are thankful. It can be your loved ones, the experience you enjoyed earlier that day, or anything else that makes you feel present and alive. When we express thankfulness for the joys in life, we increase happiness. Make sure to take time to reflect on your writings to experience the full joy and experience of gratitude.
Find your life purposeFor some, uncovering your "why" may take a lifetime and for others this will come to fruition earlier. Why are you here? How do you create impact? These questions can feel overwhelming so try starting by simply answering what parts of your current life brings you happiness (people, activities, music) in your gratitude journal. Look for and note common themes. When you know your life purpose, you will know how to be happy because you have a life worth living because you understand why you do what you do. You have direction. You have grounding.
Breathe WorkI love taking full advantage of something we already do without effort- like breathing. Science is just beginning to provide evidence that the benefits of this ancient practice are real. Studies have found, for example, that breathing practices can help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and attention deficit disorder. For centuries yogis have used breath control, or pranayama, to promote concentration and improve vitality. Time to reach enlightenment washies!
Hormones can work with us to achieve our happy place. This happiness hormone can be release simply by snuggling up with your child, smiling at a stranger, holding hands with a loved one, or a hug. .It’s a bonding hormone, meaning we feel it most when forging a deep connection with someone or something. It makes us maternal and nurturing and enriches our attachments to one another. What are you waiting for? Go hug someone.
