8 Ways I am a Happier Person

Over the last couple of years, it’s been my mission to live the happiest life I can.

Some people aspire to be rich or to be famous, but I think for most of us, ‘happiness’ is a top priority in life. I realised pretty soon after I went self employed that I didn’t want to grow a huge business and make millions – what is really important to me is that I enjoy every day and live a happy, fulfilled life.

I’ve now built myself what I like to call a ‘lifestyle business’; something that earns me enough money to do the things I want, but that also gives me enough TIME to do the things I want. I love what I do, and that certainly helps my happiness a lot, but there are a whole host of other things that contribute to my overall happiness as well, including relationships, health and daily habits.

Now, I’m no expert – I still get down days and am affected by things like everyone else (is there anyone on the planet who is an ‘expert on happiness’??). But going into my mid-twenties I definitely feel like I’m in a really good place and I’d say I’m a pretty all-round positive person!

Below I’m going to share a few of the specific things that have help me to stay positive and happy…

I’ve filled my life with people who build me up and love me for ‘me’

Say no to toxic people who suck energy and happiness through constant complaining or cutting you down. I have a partner and friends in my life now who support me, encourage me, and let me be my true self around them without any judgement.

I spend more time outdoors and by the sea

Aside from getting more vitamin D which is known for ‘lifting the spirits’, getting out in the fresh air and spending time in nature is also useful for getting a sense of perspective. If you’re feeling heavy or your mind feels full of troubled thoughts, getting some perspective is key for calming the soul.

I listen to happy music

You know what I realised the other day? I can’t remember the last time I listened to sad music (ie. music that could be considered depressing or might make you want to cry)…

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that (sometimes an indulgent little cry can be just what you need… pass me the ‘A Star is Born Soundtrack’!), and I’m all for beautiful, atmospheric music. BUT this is just an observation of my habits lately, and over the last couple of years I really do only listen to uplifting songs that make me want to sing or dance.

My relationship is full of laughter, honesty and respect

Alex is one of the cheeriest, most relaxed people I know, so I have no doubt that this has probably rubbed off on me! We laugh together a lot, don’t take things too seriously, and are totally open and honest with each other. We communicate easily and talk things through, so any issues we have are sorted out within 2 minutes rather than let things stew – hence we’ve never really had a proper argument!

I start my day with gratitude and appreciate what I have

This sounds super cheesy, but my daily planner that I have on my desk has space for me to write 3 things I’m grateful for every morning, and I always fill it it in without fail. Taking a moment to appreciate what I have and think about things that make me happy at the start of the day, and being reminded of it throughout my work, has honestly done wonders for making me a more positive person.

I get endorphins (ie. “happy hormones”) from regular exercise

A few years ago I did no exercise whatsoever, and I ate a load crap too; this left me feel sluggish, weak and unhappy with myself. Since I started exercising regularly a few years ago, not only do I get a little boost of endorphins that make me feel happier directly after I’ve done a workout or a class or a run, I also feel stronger, healthier and proud of what my body is capable of.

I have clear boundaries and know how to ‘give less f*cks’

I read ‘The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck’ by Sarah Knight at just the right moment during a period of ‘change’ in my life and it gave me the push I needed to stop caring so much what people think and put my own happiness first for once. Setting boundaries and giving less f*cks gets easier as you get older, and it’s certainly helped lift many weights off my shoulders.

I try to live in the present, and not in the past

The key word here is *try*. In fact, I’m actually someone who struggles with living in the future too much! Planning, desiring and imagining is what my brain does best, so I find it hard to keep grounded and present sometimes. This is where gratitude comes in, as well as being outdoors and practicing ‘mindfulness’ – whatever that looks like for you.

 

What are your tips for being happy and more positive? Share them below!

*My necklace was kindly gifted by Love Kernow Jewellery.
Big thanks to Olivia Bossert for taking my photos <3