5 Health & Wellness Tips For A Happy Life

When you think of happiness, perhaps the first thing that comes to your mind is that it is a goal to be achieved. You may link it to the fulfillment of certain aspirations in your personal and professional life. Or you may strive to overcome challenges that you face and then consider yourself happy once you have won. Some of us tie our concept of happiness to material things, financial stability, luxuries, or living like the rich and famous. 

The reality is that happiness is not something that happens by chance, falls into our laps one fine day involuntarily, or is something that can’t be controlled. 

We have all met people who seem to be “born happy” and invariably see the bright side of things, and have only positive responses. It is true that there is a small percentage of people who have a positive temperament, and equally true that there are some who inevitably choose the pessimistic view. But to a large extent, these are only personality traits that can be worked on and changed. 

Happiness: What Does It Mean?

If you want to understand the meaning of happiness, it’s good to know that it is not merely the absence of unhappiness. Happiness is a positive state and your emotions are deeply involved in the experience. 

Another facet of happiness is that it doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. For some it may be what they feel in the present moment, based on certain experiences. For others it is a general feeling of calmness and contentment.

Different cultures have defined happiness in various ways. For the ancient Greeks, it was the true goal of all human endeavor. 

Psychologists term happiness as a feeling of well-being that is experienced subjectively. They include certain components such as a good balance of positive and negative emotions, along with general satisfaction with your life. 

There are also different levels and degrees of happiness. When our desires are gratified, when we achieve something after efforts, through positive contributions to society or our loved ones, and from life fulfillment are the different aspects or levels of happiness. 

A modern interpretation involves good health and the release of “feel good” hormones, which means that when you are physically and mentally healthy, with a sound mind in a sound body, happiness is the end result. 

So what does happiness really feel like?

• When you feel that you are living a good life
• That you are satisfied
• You enjoy healthy and positive relationships
• There is meaning and intention in your life
• You are kind and grateful
• That life has meaning, and you are mindful
• When you would like others to share your happiness

Five Health and Wellness Secrets to Lasting Happiness

Being happy is not just a passive state to be experienced within yourself. It confers several important benefits such as better learning, more success, promotes relationships, increases health and longevity and creates a better social environment around you. You have a certain amount of energy that you can use throughout the day, and negative thoughts and feelings tend to deplete this energy. Click here for more wellness information and self care resources at Rest & Digest that can help you live a happier, healthier and more relaxed and stress-free life.

You need to work on boosting positive feelings and minimizing negative ones so that your overall state of mind is happier, calmer, peaceful and not stressed. 

1. Listen To Yourself: You may think that your mind and body are two separate entities. Truth is, you are a whole person, with everything in you connected. Become more self aware of your energy highs and lows, when they occur and why. Physical discomfort or disease causes emotional and mental distress. Ensure that you attend to medical issues as soon as possible, and make sure you consult the right professionals. 
2. Nourish Yourself: Eat and drink adequately, according to your age, lifestyle, climate, geography, health status and preferences. Today, our markets are full of food and beverages that contain chemicals, additives and other artificial materials. Try to eat as much fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, low fat dairy, and adequate hydration. 
3. Digital Detox: Today, a large portion of our lives is occupied in staring at various screens. This includes watching the news, checking social media, connecting to people who we will never meet or really see in our lives, remote work, and more. Apart from creating a new series of physical problems such as repetitive movement syndrome, carpal tunnel problems, neck and shoulder issues, eye problems and more, excessive digital consumption also creates emotional stress. Detox from digital media for at least one whole day in the week. Let your friends and family know that you are not available, but you’re OK. 
4. Sleep It Off: There’s nothing like a good eight hour sleep to relax you and give you a blast of energy in the morning. Sleep deprivation affects your mood, productivity and heart health, causing memory and concentration problems. Make your own sleep ritual and ensure that you stick to a consistent routine. 
5. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Make small changes in your world-view and attitude towards others. Be conscious of all your actions and how they impact others. Being grateful is not a mere social courtesy that you can pass off with a cursory “Thanks” – instead, allow yourself to feel genuine gratitude for the privileges you enjoy, your good health and the life you lead.