Five ways to boost happiness
The current times are challenging for us all. Most of us can’t physically meet our families and friends. Social distancing can take a toll on one’s mental health. While living through a pandemic and adapting to the new normal, it can be quite difficult to find a happy state of mind. Happiness is subjective. To each his own. Many people are not happy with where they are in their lives. It is simply because they look for happiness outside their physical self rather than within. Happiness is a state of mind and there are scientifically backed ways to boost happiness.
Focus on the small things
It is important to find joy in small things. For some, life is indeed a culmination of small things. At the onset, each small incident might seem like a tiny drop. However, it is the coming together of these incidents that makes it an ocean. This often means stop investing time in trying to be happy. Everyone has emotions that are unhappy and no one is happy all the time.
It could be anything from watching the sunset, a phone call with your friend discussing good old times etc.
Practice Gratitude
When we are struggling, it can be easy to focus on the negativities and ignore the good things in our lives. It is important to take some time to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Your good health, family and friends who love you, even the beauty of being alive. Appreciating these little things in your life can take you closer to being in a happy state of mind. Keep a gratitude journal and write down all the things you are grateful for. Writing helps you remember better and it is always a great reckoner to go back to on days you feel low.
Meditate
Practicing mindful meditation can be helpful in your pursuit to find happiness. Although you should be aware that it might not work for everyone. Meditation is not as difficult as it sounds. It is a state of being aware of yourself and your breath. The benefits of meditation are innumerable to improve your attention span and health. Meditation can be practiced anywhere. Especially if you are at work and need time to rest your mind, you can try some guided meditation right where you are.
Be good to yourself
Another important aspect is to take care of yourself. This includes eating clean and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Overeating, drinking too much and not getting adequate sleep can be triggers to feeling low. Some things you can do are – hydrate regularly, have a good fitness schedule, eat clean and sleep well. The more you value yourself and your work, the more you build confidence. The less you talk to yourself in negative terms, the less you feel the need to make an effort to achieve happiness.
Clean up and declutter
Decluttering your mind, social space and physical surroundings can go a long way in feeling free and high spirited. Research has proved that tidying up your physical space transform your life. Often, we like to cling to things because of past memories and emotions attached to them. But these same memories can create a lot of pain and trauma if the experience has not been a favorable one. Decluttering is known to activate a part of the brain that can help with processing pain.
Ask for help when needed
If you find yourself battling to find your happy state of mind, do not shy away from asking for help. Countries globally are now having an open discussion on topics related to mental health treatment including the United Arab Emirates. There is professional help available for everyone in need of anxiety, depression and stress management treatment in Dubai.
If the problem persists, contact our brain training experts at Evolve Brain Training who provide non-invasive training programs in Dubai. Book your consultation and learn how you can train your brain through neuroscience to learn stay happy. Fill out the form and our team will connect with you shortly.
Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, a Neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brain's true potential.
