Simple Ways To Find More Happiness

Happiness, the one thing we all want more of yet seems to be out of the grasp of many. Yet, while many think it’s life's big moments that provide the most joy, I’ve come to find that it’s the simple things in life where that provide lasting joy. 

Whether it’s time spent with loved ones or a day at the beach — it’s these simple moments we regularly take for granted, that have the most meaning. In fact, it was within the last year that I realised the importance of life’s seemingly insignificant pleasures; and from this realisation alone, I’ve used the following strategies to find more happiness —

Actively Appreciating —

There are multiple things we can be thankful for, yet it’s up to us to identify them. To do so, we must train ourselves to seek life’s positives and to actively be grateful. This can be as easy as allocating time specifically for gratitude — where, in consistently giving thanks, we build our appreciation muscle. 

Having done this for years, I’m certain it has drastically shifted my perspective. Because, even on days where it’s somewhat of a struggle, finding things to appreciate lets me start and finish the day with a positive mindset. 

Doing this consistently sees that the more you appreciate, the more you find things to be grateful for. Because, in looking for reasons to feel good, you, in turn, become joyously focused, making you more inclined to look for and attract life’s positives. 

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. — Voltaire 

Connecting With Nature —

There is something to be said about how refreshed one feels after being in nature. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a coastal walk or a picnic at the park — time outside always leaves one feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Much like a plant, we each need fresh air, water and sunlight, making it imperative that we get outside and soak up the best the earth has to offer. Of course, this doesn’t mean we need to spend our entire day outside just that we should regularly incorporate time outdoors to nourish and rejuvenate ourselves.

Acknowledging Happiness —

Within each day, we encounter countless moments of happiness. Yet, rarely do we stop to acknowledge this. These moments can be found in reading a good book, enjoying a hot shower, or relaxing on the beach. Where, in either case, each of these are regular moments of joy that we largely take for granted. 

Because, while many believe happiness is an overwhelming feeling of excitement, lasting happiness isn’t. Instead, it is found in life’s seemingly insignificant occasions, the understated moments we constantly experience but rarely think much of.

Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you will look back and realise they were the big things. — Kurt Vonnegut 

With so much going on in the world, it’s more important than ever to find those things that spark joy within us. Whether we’re actively looking for things to appreciate, reconnecting with nature, or appreciating life’s seemingly insignificant pleasures — each of these are simple ways to improve and find happiness.