What an apt time to write about this. After 26 and a half years of lectures I am now a full fledged working adult! Starting my first career has been accompanied with a myriad of thoughts; both good and bad. My musings have predominantly revolved around 2 ideas. Firstly, what is the end goal but let’s leave that for another piece and the focus of this article, “How do I become happier as a person?”
Happiness remains to me as a mystery. I used to think of happiness as a personality? Happy people are permanently happy. From the waking moment to when the eyelids fall shut, happy people are ALWAYS happy. It seems so automated that the causation becomes happiness chooses the person instead of the person choosing to be happy.
I must add, I am not a neurotic neither am I clinically disabled by depression. I simply am not ecstatic with all areas of my life and wish to have a more positive wellbeing. If you are like me and would like more control over my thoughts, instantaneously summon a repertoire of joyous memories whenever you need it and genuinely appreciate the finer things in life, you have met an ally in me!
Back to the title. I’ve gained this insight from listening to The Happiness Lab on Spotify by Dr Laurie Santos (check if out it’s great). It seems intriguing yet common sense at the same time. I found an easier way to think about this is to imagine becoming happy like obtaining a 6 pack. Consistent effort has to be put in.
By the time of this writing, I have tried and tested several things I have found scouring the internet. I am proud to say that this includes window shopping at groceries stores! Several of the most successful are written below.
- Exercising before/after work. The wonders of cardio, yes I actually said that. I run, cycle and swim frequently and it has done wonders mentally if not physically. This does not need to be a 5km run or 20km cycling sprint. In fact, a walk to your local grocer and back helps clears your head, warms up the body and gets your head ready for another day at work. I find that when I do it at night the benefits are similar but include getting better sleep as well as helping to shove those pervasive thoughts away.
- Spending time around others. Yes, they may be complete strangers and you do not have to interact with them. Spend some time walking at the neighbouring park and observe others at close proximity. It helps me achieve a peace of mind.
- Reconnecting with someone close. We all know the feeling of bumping into someone we have not spoken to after drifting on our separate ways. Why not scroll through your contacts and invite someone out for coffee to share where life has taken both of you!
- Dedicate a “me-time” every day. It might be the first 10 minutes when you wake up or the last hour before you sleep. Find a time where you spend doing something privately and make it unrelated to work. Read a book, browse through the papers or just gaze out of the window.
As compared to getting a 6 pack, I hope this sounds far more feasible! Develop them into your daily routine and when you are lazy, remind yourself what you are working towards. I hope you have enjoyed this short read and I wish the best on your route to Happiness!
