5 Tips To Increase Happiness

We know that happiness exists because we recognize the feeling of its absence. When it is gone, we seek to return to the blissful warmth that it once provided. It is a haven of comfort and contentment. Our worries, malaise, and intrusions fade from consciousness when we experience happiness in the present moment. Much contention in life is spent actively seeking the joyous experience. In this week’s blog, I wanted to discuss some tips that I have learned over the years to increase happiness and joy in our lives. The list below certainly isn’t the only way that we can strengthen and harness positivity. Still, it can be utilized as a good starting point.

Tip #1 Avoid Fear of the Public. In the era of social media takedowns, it can often feel like the world is ready to quash personal expression. This fear of expressing oneself in the face of public ridicule and/or takedown suppresses the innate need to exercise freedom and openness. If we are unable to express ourselves, then we are unable to live authentically. This debilitates the validity of our experience. If we somehow consider our experience to be invalid, then how are we supposed to be happy. Yes, navigating the politics of our day-to-day interactions can be challenging, but we must be willing to open ourselves to making mistakes for the purposes of learning and developing our character. A lack of development, as far as our participation in the world goes, is certain to lead to unfulfillment. Be courageous in your public life by being honest with yourself and those around you.

Tip #2 Seek New Experiences. If you want monotony, then you are asking for boredom. Nothing can create an invigoration of the spiritual aspects of the self quite like the endeavor into unexplored territory. Yes, there is a chance that you may discover that the sought experience is something that you did not enjoy; however, the risk of complacency contributing to the mundane is far greater than the risk of seeking something outside of your general scope of interest. Try something new; eat your green eggs with ham!

Tip #3 Actively Celebrate. Some people have faith that there is life beyond the one we are presently living; however, there are no guarantees. Even if one were to experience an afterlife, the actions of one’s present life act as contingency factors. Yes, we should be moralistic and ethical regardless of our beliefs; also, we ought to celebrate our standing as those who act with the best intentions. Celebrating our own and others’ accomplishments, time spent with loved ones, and/or simply the state of being is a great way to commemorate and express gratitude toward the marvel of life. If how others celebrate is not quite your vibe, then proceed in creating your own method or tradition. This should go without saying, but please celebrate responsibly.

Tip #4 Stimulate Creativity. Our creative minds need stimulus and nurturing in order for them to operate. Do what is necessary for you to generate ideas, art, transformation, and wit. Try occupying spaces that inspire you, whether that be a coffee shop, studio, park, etc. Create your own spaces through decorating your home with rounded furniture (sharp corners linked to heightened anxiety) and patterned decorations (stimulating a sense of abundance), vibrant colors, and/or nurture a pet or plant. The more you feel inspired, the more you will experience serendipitous moments.

Tip #5 Know When to Compete. In our work and personal life we often have to compete for titles, objects, and relationships. Where is the line drawn, and when can we rest? Learning to find moments of stillness and relaxation without the fear of stagnation can bring balance to various facets of our lives and help in generating a sense of rehabilitation. If we constantly feel the need to compete, then we risk burnout which prolongs recuperation. In addition, competing in situations where it is unwarranted (such as seeking high status in our relationships) runs the risk of being damaging. It creates unnecessary conflict, furthering us from attaining happiness. Competing can be joyous, particularly when it brings rewards; however, it needs to be done with scrutiny so that it does not cause inessential disruption.

Seeking ways to further create happiness for yourself and others? Please feel free to explore AdamGWalterbach.com or contact me at (720) 551-5863