The Christmas decorations have been stored away, all the champagne has been drunk, and a new year is upon is. Whether you’ve had a chance to sit down and write out any resolutions yet, it’s likely that you have some plans for how you would like the next 365 days to look. One of the number one things people say that they want most out of life is to be happy. Anyone can be happy; it just takes a bit of work! Here are some simple steps you can take to create the conditions for happiness in your life for 2016 and beyond:
Reflect & Celebrate. While setting goals is a habit of happy people, it is also equally important to reflect upon things you have already done and celebrate your successes. My favourite New Years Eve tradition is to toast to the best things that happened that year with my friends and loved ones. I love hearing what accomplishments other people are proud of, whether they are big or small. Taking time to acknowledge the wonderful things that have already happened will put you in a positive space to carve out a vision for the New Year.
Make gratitude a habit. It’s simple, really—grateful people are happy. There are so many small ways to make gratitude a part of your everyday life. If I am feeling down, I like to write down three things I am grateful for in that moment to brighten my spirits. Showing the gratitude you have for the people in your life is also proven to make you happier. Sending a thank you card, telling your partner how much you appreciate them, or reaching out to an old friend to let them know you love them are all surefire ways to bring a little more happiness into your life.
Create a beautiful and relaxing surrounding.Your surroundings are often a reflection of how you are feeling internally. A dusty apartment or a scattered desk are not exactly conducive to a clear and calm mind. You can practice happiness by creating a beautiful environment and taking pleasure in it. I love using a nebulizer like the aromaGem in my apartment and filling it with relaxing and refreshing scents. Because I spend so much of my week at work, I like to interject some beauty into my desk space. Fresh flowers, framed photos, and stress-release remedies like the At your Desk Remedy Bar help me feel happier during the 9-5 grind.
Find what makes you happy, and do it. Happiness is not something you just stumble upon, it is a choice that you make everyday to do what lights you up. The start of a new year is a great time to look at your life and identify what is and what isn’t making you feel inspired and excited. This could lead to a decision to reevaluate your career path or it could be as simple as making more time for hobbies that you love. For me, this involves making space in my life for reading, spending time with family, and playing with flowers—these are the things that always make me feel happy and alive. Think long and hard about what brings you joy in your life and do what you need to do to make it happen—you deserve it!
Goal-setting. Goal setting is a very effective happiness practice. When you are settling on goals for 2016, be sure to write them down and share them with people you love and trust. The process of speaking to your goals can be very empowering and also holds you accountable. While reaching the goal is important, you’ll enjoy the journey more if you celebrate along the way. Have a goal to run a half-marathon this year? Make a point of reveling in the small wins along the way whether it’s a particularly tough training run or finding your perfect play list. Ready, set, goal set!
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!