Happiness is a precious commodity. We all want it, we all strive for it, but so many of us fail to reach what we believe to be our ‘optimum level of happiness’. It’s fleeting, it’s illusive and it’s often misunderstood. We think that if only we could earn enough to buy a new car, or if only we could get that promotion, or if only we could afford another holiday, then we will be happy.
Many studies have shown that material possessions do not make people happy. Trying to ‘have it all’ is not always the key to happiness. In fact, taking on too much and having too many goals can often bring stress, not success, wealth and happiness. Fretting over every small mistake, worrying about deadlines and endlessly panicking over achieving your dreams and ambitions can bring a lifetime of misery and low self-esteem.
It’s time to take ownership of your happiness and seek simplicity in all things, because it’s often the small, simple moments in life that can bring immeasurable radiance and elation.
Here are 6 simple ways to radically transform your life and take back your happiness.
1. Digital Detox
Digital will always be a big component in our everyday lives. Mobile phones connect us to family, friends and the world around us. However, constantly checking our phones, logging on to laptops and watching videos on tablets can be mentally draining. The constant distraction can cause irritability and the blue light can aid sleep deprivation.
Every few weeks make sure to detach yourself from all devices. Take a mini break to a cottage down by the sea and switch off your phone. You’ll find that the stillness, peace and quiet will help to recharge your batteries.
2. Declutter your home to declutter your life
It’s now a well-known fact that a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. Living a minimalist life means only keeping the things that you need. Marie Kondo wrote an extremely popular book on the ‘life changing magic of tidying’, recommending that you should only hold on to the things that bring you joy.
Take a weekend to go through all your belongings and be ruthless. You’ll have more space to move, think and do.
3. Focus on the ones that matter
Research has found that happiness is reliant on good, nurturing relationships. Choose carefully who you want to spend your time with. Have a close-knit group of friends and family members that support you, that empower you and that build your confidence. Removing toxic relationships will instantly simplify your social network and remove unwanted stress and anxiety.
4. Take care of your body and mind
A healthy body and mind equals a healthy attitude. Cut out the fad diets and stop buying ridiculously expensive gym equipment. Simplify your health and fitness regime by doing a little daily. Get into a routine of taking 30 minutes out of each day to go for a brisk walk, run or why not try out HIIT.
Simplify your diet by planning out your meals for the week, so that you snack less and avoid reaching for convenience foods. A healthy diet will undoubtedly give you an energy kick, improve your mood and wellbeing. Apps like Myfitnesspal will keep you on track and help you monitor your eating and exercise habits.
5. Realign your happiness goals
Take time out of your busy schedule to have a think about what you really want. Don’t fall into the trap of making to-do lists of what you ‘ought to do’. The simplest way to transform your life is to list what you really want and to go after it.
Don’t try to multi-task, focus on one goal at a time. This is much more manageable and realistic and will prevent any negative feelings of self-worth when you don’t reach all of your goals simultaneously.
6. See the beauty in your surroundings
‘Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.’
Laura Ingalls Wilder
It’s true that often the simplest things in life are the ones that make us truly happy. We are advocates of choosing an outdoors lifestyle because we believe in appreciating the beauty of nature and the world around us. Move away from the screen, COLLECTION grab your coat and take a step outside. Adventure awaits.