4 Unique Tips to Live a Happy, Healthy Life

Are you happy? If somebody were to ask you this question now, what do you think your answer would be? Perhaps you would say a quick “Yes” just to move on from the topic. However, stop and ask yourself that question. Am I really happy? 

The concepts of “happiness” and “joy” are complicated, so if you are confused, you are not alone. Most people would say that they are happy, but at the back of their minds, they wonder if they really are. Besides, the bar for happiness varies from person to person. 

Others are living a happier life because they feel that they have more than enough reason to be joyful. They feel blessed for having everything they could ever want in life. Even those who have little may feel like they have a lot. Perspectives vary, and it all boils down to what you feel inside. 

What Does it Take to Live Happily?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone’s happiness comes in different stages and at different levels. Happier living is not just about having everything you could ever want. Sometimes, people who have a lot still feel unhappy because they are not satisfied with what they have.

Some have very little in life but still feel like they are the happiest in the world. The little that they have gives them a feeling of satisfaction. That is something that cannot be explained but felt. 

Ultimately, to live a good life is to see the good in the experience in which you are living. If you never acknowledge the blessings in your life, you will always yearn for more. At some point, you will have to tell yourself that what you have is more than what you could ever expect to get. 

However, wanting more inspires people to improve themselves and their circumstances. They push themselves hard to be better at what they do because they want to make more of themselves. This is totally acceptable, and in fact, this is ideal. 

So if wanting more and wanting to improve yourself is still a good thing, the real question is, when will enough be truly enough? At what level will you allow yourself to be truly happy? If living is all about happiness, then what will make you live your life to the fullest?

Why Are You Unhappy?

They say that a lot of things can cause a person’s unhappiness. Sometimes, it can be caused by feelings of disappointment. When they expect something to happen and it doesn’t, they get disappointed. 

For example, they expect to pass a particular exam to help their career move forward. They study hard and put a lot of effort into preparing for the test. The day comes when they need to take the test, and they do. Weeks after, they find out that they failed. They disappointed themselves. Failures, as such, makes them unhappy. 

On the other hand, the expectations of other people can also cause deep unhappiness. For example, when you put a lot of hard work to take care of the people you love, you expect them to show their gratitude a certain way. When they don’t, you may feel unappreciated or frustrated. Even if they showed you how grateful they are for what you did, you still do not see it like that, simply because you expected them to do it a certain way.

These scenarios put you in a situation where you become sad. The feeling of sadness overpowers you and keeps your mind from appreciating the good things in life, and therefore you become unhappy. 

What is the Secret to Living a Good Life?

Is there a manual that will teach you how to get a life? If there were, for sure, every person in this world would want to have a copy. And yet, one’s happiness is not dependent on what others say or do. It shouldn’t be. 

There is no other person in this world that should be able to make you truly happy. Secrets of happiness will always involve what you want. It all goes back to yourself and your choices. 

But how do you make happiness happen?

Here are four unique ways to live a happier and healthier life:

Go and reach out to people, even strangers. 

Did you know that being in physical contact with someone gives you a gentle reminder that you are alive? Connecting with people both literally and figuratively may be what you need to live a happier life. Even if you aren’t embracing people physically, talk to them. Express how you feel, and listen to their stories. Maybe visit a rest home and spend time with the elderly. Learn about their lives and see what you can discover. All of these are therapeutic. Before you know it, you will find yourself with a smiling face. 

Always choose to give.

You may not have everything you want, but you have more than you could ever need. So go ahead, and don’t be afraid to give back to others. Being charitable may not be like you, but it will make you feel so much better about yourself. “Giving” is not only about offering goods and other material things. It could be your time, your love, or your listening ear. Experiment with giving extra time to those you love. It can help you feel more connected to them and helps them know how much they matter to your life. A more traditional version of “giving” may entail donating to charity, serving in a soup kitchen, or doing some service for an elderly neighbor. Even though you’re doing something for someone else, you can also improve your life because you will feel more empowered and fulfilled by helping others. Focusing on the needs of others as opposed to your own will help you feel lighter and more satisfied. Make a difference in the life of others and find true happiness from within. 

Spend time with the people you love and make new memories.

People are so much more important than things or worldly success. Spend time with the people that matter the most to you. Call your mother, text your son, get together with your best friends. The best thing that you can give someone you love is your time. Material items may give them temporary happiness, but being with you is what truly matters. Whether it is an afternoon spent at the park or just simply having a nice dinner with the family in the house, all these things matter. People remember the good times, and these memories shall be with them forever. 

Be one with yourself. 

While being with others can definitely help your outlook on life, sometimes taking time for yourself so you can understand what truly makes you happy may be the thing you need. Explore your inner self through meditation or yoga. Find the connection between your physical person and your spiritual being. Pray. Find a moment every day to be quiet and live in the moment. Share your faith with someone. Not only will this help you reconnect with yourself, but it will allow you to build a genuine connection with the people who love you. 

Why is happiness important? Simply put, it is what makes people truly live.