The Happiness Function

Are you looking for simple ways to feel happier? I have been practicing all of the methods I’m about to share with you and they have truly changed my perspective and life for the better. I hope this article about ways to enjoy each day empowers you.

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10 Ways to Enjoy Each and Every Day

1. Stop Being So Busy

I have stopped being so busy and over-committing myself. I used to work a 50+ hour work week, and I would try to squeeze in working out, walking the dog, hanging out with friends, and so much more. My profession has changed, so I no longer work a grueling schedule. I also have stopped over-committing myself when people ask me to do things. I say no because I don’t want to be that busy. I am in the practice of living a more mindful life with my husband and dog.

2. Get Outside Every Day

I made a goal to get outside every day. I have been able to accomplish this by walking the neighborhood or biking. Having a goal to move my body has kept my head on straight. It helps me feel good inside and out. Get outside – your body and soul will feel so much better!

3. Explore Locally

Since 2020, we have been exploring close to home. We have found new green spaces to explore and local lakes and parks for kayaking, walking, and camping.

Being closer to home has given me a greater appreciation for the little things – literally.

We find so much peace watching the hummingbirds in the afternoon, followed by the fireflies during the summer.

Sticking close to home has allowed me to slow down and savor these moments again. Savor moments like when I was a child chasing fireflies in the back yard.

Do you have fireflies where you live?

4. Have Fun in the Kitchen

I bake and cook almost every day.

Not eating out has not only been easy on the wallet, but it has been easy on the waist! There is something about cooking that really brings love into the soul. Savoring delicious home-cooked meals is really special.

We also have got into the habit of buying in bulk. My husband’s favorite store is literally SAMs Club. Buying in bulk saves us so much money on food and toiletries.

Buying in bulk is also a more sustainable lifestyle practice because it promotes less waste. It also means we go to the store way less.

5. Read New Books

There is something truly relaxing about reading a good book.

I wrote another article about the books I read last summer that made significant impacts on my life over the last few years.

My favorite authors have been Gabrielle Bernstein, Michael Singer, Dr. Brian Weiss, and Marianne Williamson.

Their books empower, excite, and rock your world!

6. Watch Amazon Prime and Netflix

We love watching TV. With a little more downtime, we have really been enjoying streaming TV at an affordable price.

Not an Amazon Prime Video member? You are missing out. Click to get Amazon Prime video now! You will love it.

7. Live in the Moment

I had no idea what was happening in the world around March 2020. I think a lot of people could relate to this feeling. We were literally packed and ready to fly to Argentina to visit Pablo’s Mom the day before President Trump announced international travel bans, along with the Argentinean President.

There was quite a bit of fear and uncertainty going through my mind. But then I remembered the wise words I have heard from many yoga and meditation masters about living in the moment.

I woke up and decided to live each day and not think or stress about things out of my control! I chose not to get caught up in what would be happening tomorrow, a month from now, six months from now.

None of these thoughts really matter.

Be present, especially if the world news is causing fear and anxiety.

Being present has helped me tremendously.

Practicing all of these ways to be happy continues cultivating a strong foundation for the rest of our lives.

8. Have a Daily Gratitude Practice

Every morning I wake up and start my day with things I appreciate, what I am grateful for, and that I will live in the present moment.

This has been a game-changer – it sounds silly – but it really is a GAME CHANGER.

In many of the books I read over the last year, the reoccurring theme was cultivating a mindset that promotes happiness, gratitude, and appreciation.

Once you cultivate this mindset, you raise your energy frequency in the universe. You raise your energy frequency to gratitude and appreciation. Therefore, you attract more of the good stuff!

9. Find a Support System

Mental health is important. Find a therapist. Get a journal.

Write ways to enjoy the day in your journal. Journaling is another way to focus on gratitude and abundance.

You can also find a life coach or therapist without ever leaving your house. There are many professionals online offering telemedicine now.

It is OK to feel emotions. I have learned to let them pass through. Some days I cry, some days I laugh. I think it is pretty normal!

Humans are super resilient, and we are all going to get through each day one day at a time. It is all part of the life journey.

Stand tall. Be strong.

10. Do Something Nice for Someone Else

It feels so good to do something nice for others.

Send a friend or family member a text and wish them a beautiful day. Mail a notecard. It is easy to wish someone well and can really brighten someone’s day.

Doing something nice for someone else is a good way to help with how to be happy every day.

Final Thoughts

I hope these ten ways to feel happier speak to you.

I am wishing you all a beautiful day. Be sure to get outside.

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee

“When you meet someone, you can silently send them a blessing, wishing them happiness, joy and laughter. This kind of silent giving is very powerful.”

– Deepak Chopra