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The SITS Girls

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10 Secrets to Happiness You Keep Forgetting

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When it comes to happiness, it’s easy to just let it take the backseat. Between the drop-offs and pick-ups, the laundry, and the hundreds of unanswered emails, we often find ourselves feeling drained and uninspired, with no energy left for anything else. But the secrets to happiness really aren’t all that mysterious. It just takes a moment to remind ourselves of the secrets to happiness we keep forgetting.

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness

 10 Secrets to Happiness

Take Pleasure in the Small Stuff

Where ever you are, whatever you are doing, take a moment to be in that moment.  What is there to take pleasure in?  Check in with your senses.  Does the laundry detergent smell heavenly?  Can you hear the playful laughter of children?  Does the tactile touch of your favorite scarf feel soft and comforting around your shoulders?  Find something, anything, right now, wherever you are to take pleasure in, and your day is sure to feel a lighter.

Make Plans

We humans do better when we have something to look forward to.  Make plans for something big, like a vacation next year, or for something small like a coffee date with a girlfriend next week.   Having a plan keeps us connected to an important component of happiness: hope.  It reminds us that even though today might not be going well, tomorrow could be completely different.

Think Positive Thoughts

By now we’ve all heard of the Law of Attraction and the theory that our thoughts create our destiny.  Regardless whether you believe you can manifest your dreams through affirmations, the sheer act of thinking positive thoughts does put us in a positive frame of mind and therefore more open to the good things that life has in store for us.  Negativity has a way of perpetuating negativity, so when you find yourself stuck in a negative thought, check to see if it factual.  Is it blown out of proportion?  Is it rational?  Try replacing it with a positive thought, and hold on it to it with all your might.

secrets to happniess

Let Go of Judgments

Make a conscious effort to let go of judgments of others.  Replace criticism for graciousness, and make efforts to show compassion to everyone you meet.  Remember, everyone is fighting some kind of battle.  If you make an effort to be kind and non-judgmental to others, you might be surprised to see how much easier it is to stop judging yourself.

Focus on Gratitude

Stuck in a bad place today?  Pick up a pen and a piece of paper.  Write down every single thing you can possibly think of that you have to be grateful for.  Even the small silly stuff.  Do it!  Right now!  See, don’t you feel better already?

secrets to happiness

Remember the Power of Music

Music has a powerful affect on our mood.  Think about every big Hollywood blockbuster and their dramatic musical scores and television commercials that use music to strike an emotional chord.  Don’t underestimate the power of driving with the radio turned up loud, or putting in a pair of ear buds and dancing around your living room.  Extra points if you play air guitar or hold up an air microphone.

Find Your Balance

What is it that helps you feel balanced?  Is it making time for friends and socializing?  Is it yoga?  Scheduling down-time?  Whatever it is that helps you feel centered, make time for that.  Take a look at your schedule.  Is there one particular area of your life you find yourself neglecting?  Finding balance in the midst of a hectic world makes it easier to stay in a place of peace and contentment.

Take Care of your Basic Needs

Make sure you are taking time to attend to you most basic needs.  Are you getting enough sleep?  Are you eating breakfast?  Getting enough fruit and veggies and water?  Exercising?  Remember, the analogy of putting the oxygen mask on yourself first.  It’s important that you take care of your health so that you are in a good place to take care of others.

secrets to happiness

Hug Often

Studies have shown that hugging lowers your blood pressure and decreases cortisol, a stress hormone.  Not only is hugging good for your health, it feels amazing.  So grab your kids, your husband, your mom, and your best friend and give them a great big hug.

Feed Your Soul

What is it that feeds your soul?  That inspires you and gets your juices flowing?  Is it music?  Is it reading?  Is it crafts, or art, or some other creative endeavor?  Whatever it is that makes you feel whole and fulfilled, spend more time doing that.

Make a little time for happiness today.  It’s not far out of reach.  Just take a moment to remember the secrets you already knew but keep forgetting.

What secrets to happiness do you need to remember?

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About Tracie Nall

Tracie lives in Arizona with her husband, teen daughter, and more books than her shelves will hold. She spends her days writing and editing. Many of her words end up on her blog, From Tracie. Find Tracie on Twitter @FromTracie and on Instagram where she takes pictures of things that are yellow.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. [email protected] says

    I should’ve known you wrote this post, Stevie! As I read it and scrolled down, I was saying ‘yes, yes!’ in my head- loooove making plans. Such a big thing with me lately. I realize I’m in a slump, and then try to figure out what’s missing: activity! outings! plans! Things on the horizon to look forward to and get excited about!
    Music is another one I need to ‘give myself’ more often. Thank you for reminding me!

  7. Niki says

    Once in awhile, we all need a post like this! One that will make us sit back and realize how happy we truly are!

  8. Leila Boukarim says

    Ah, it’s so sad how often we have to remind ourselves of all these simple yet fundamental things. Oftentimes I find myself drained only to realize I haven’t drank water all day long. Or by accident, while I’m adjusting the iPod/docking station to play “Savez vous planter des choux” for the hundredth time, I will hear a song on the radio that gives me goosebumps instantly.

    Wonderful list. I should put this up on my fridge!

  12. Laurie says

    What a great list! Music…absolutely! And I love the quote by Plate…I collect quotes, this one’s going in my book.

  15. Jacqueline says

    I’m a newbie blogger and was fortunate to come across SIts girls in the beginning. After having a technically challenging week, the comments and nice words I received from others this week made me keep going. So thank you sits girls and keep the positivity coming!

  18. Abby says

    Hehehe nice list! I especially agree with the one about hugging! All too often I forget that one, thanks for the reminder! 🙂

  23. Brittany says

    This is definitely a great list! I keep a gratitude diary and write down one small think I’m grateful for every day, it definitely helps boost my mood. Happy Monday!

  25. Jana @ Bananas for Balance says

    These are all such great reminders – I couldn’t pick a favorite! Whenever I’m feeling low I always practice gratitude, exercise with friends, and try to enjoy the simple pleasures like a fresh cup of coffee. Sometimes it’s a struggle but I truly become happiness can be a choice.

  26. another jennifer says

    I love all of these! I would add perform a random act of kindness to the list. It’s amazing what doing a simple kind act can do for you and the recipient. And who knows how far that happiness will spread.