Grow habits that will bring happiness and joy into your life.

Challenges in life are unavoidable, some are beyond our control. Challenges can drain energy or make us feel like we are focused on things that don’t necessarily make us feel positive. Daily routines compound this feeling, repeating the same challenges in work, family life or rudimentary behaviour.  We can ask ourselves the question – what can we do daily to make us feel happy? How can I break away from a negative routine of relentless challenge? Do you have any routines that you do on a regular basis that makes you feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness? What are they? Is there a habit which you could take up, which would be good for your mind and body? Do you have a hobby? Or can you think of something you could start doing which would make you feel good? What's stopping you? 

We often overlook the little things we can do every day that make us feel happy. These things add up to a significant difference, like happiness credits in the bank. Doing them regularly makes them part of who we are as we ‘compound interest’ in positivity. Look at this list and see if there are any actions that resonate with you or which you can add which make you feel happy in your daily routine:  

• Saying thank you to others 
• Noticing when other people thank you 
• Smiling at others, laughing
• Eating a delicious meal 
• Having a hot bath or shower 
• Speaking to friends 
• Giving yourself time to read a good book 
• Watching a funny film or programme and laughing 
• Exercising and the feeling you get afterwards  
• Getting into your warm and cosy bed at night when you’re tired 
• Going for a walk in nature  

You can grow happiness within yourself in such little things. What habits can you work on that will bring happiness and joy into your life? What habits do you already do that bring you joy and peace? Be conscious and consider what little things will contribute to your daily routine of happiness.