How to be Happy: Nine Happiness-Hacks Backed by Our Experts
Are you feeling emotionally rundown or burnt out? These easy to implement life-hacks could be just what you need to get back on track.
Happiness is hard to come by, particularly in a pandemic. Nearly 40% of the U.S population has struggled with their mental health since it began, but even in normal times happiness can be elusive. Often, it is low on the priority list, especially for ultra high-net worth individuals (UHNWIs). But a little work can make a big difference.
We Are What We Think
Humans have evolved to think negatively. It is a useful skill — by focusing on past pain we can effectively minimise future harm. But, as a result, we can get caught up in negative thought spirals.
On top of this, happiness, like all emotions, is fleeting. Trying to make joy your end goal is a bit like trying to never feel hungry or tired. It is unrealistic and you will spend a lot of time disappointed. But, when we focus on creating a meaningful and healthy life, we will experience more moments of temporary bliss. These simple tips will help you find them.
Tips To Increase Life Satisfaction
1. Laugh At Stress
Studies show that feeling stressed has a direct impact on your happiness levels. Laughter releases endorphins which reduce stress and help you keep things in perspective. So in difficult moments find a way to laugh, perhaps by watching a funny movie or calling that comedic friend.
2. Build Variety Into Your Day
When we repeat the same word too many times, it loses its meaning. The same is true for our day-to-day lives. Many C-Suite executives struggle to create a work-life balance, but constantly focusing on the same thing can suck the meaning (and joy) out of an activity, even if it is a job you love. To combat this, take up some activities that you enjoy and are good at, which are completely unrelated to your career.
3. Reduce Your Responsibilities
If you are struggling to honour your commitments, it is likely you have too many. Show yourself some compassion and reduce your list of responsibilities, this might mean asking others for help. Having a manageable to-do list will enable you to complete more of it and keep the promises you’ve made, which is a sure-fire way to boost your self esteem.
4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is a depressant which means even though you may be using it to de-stress, in the long run it will do the opposite. We understand that cutting alcohol out entirely is a big step if you are feeling low. To combat this, work on a compromise basis. For each glass of wine you give up, reward yourself with an alternative treat.
5. Look After Your Health
If there was ever a holy trinity of happiness it is diet-exercise-sleep, otherwise known as your DES routine. If you can work towards eating a well-balanced diet, exercising for a minimum of 150 minutes a week, and sleeping eight hours every night, we guarantee it will have a huge positive impact on your health and happiness.
6. Do Something For Someone Else
Humans are social creatures, which is why helping others releases feel-good endorphins in our brains. People who engage in regular altruistic acts report more happiness and greater life satisfaction. Studies even show they live longer. Remember that acts of kindness do not always need to be grandiose. It can be as simple as taking the time to check in with a loved one.
7. Get Some Nurture From Nature
For thousands of years nature, not the city, was humanity’s natural habitat. We are hardwired to feel at home in outdoor spaces and, as a result, nature generates lots of positive emotions. If you are in need of a pick me up, try to spend a few minutes each day in your nearest green space.
8. Talk And Share
There are few emotions as damaging to our health and happiness as loneliness. It has a mortality rate equivalent to that of a heavy smoker and is directly linked to several mental health conditions. While staying in touch with loved ones is crucial, try to reach out to people you would like to get to know. The best way to combat loneliness is to build a new relationship.
9. Limit Your Decisions
Studies show that choice can increase anxiety. Of course, our happiness does partly depend on having choices. Losing the ability to control your life, if you suddenly become famous for example, is extremely stressful. But when we are given more options, we have more opportunities to feel regret. To navigate this, ask yourself whether the decision you are facing will matter in a year’s time. If not, limit the amount of time you spend thinking about it.
We hope these tips will help boost your mood. But sometimes you may need extra support. If you are struggling with a profound loss of interest in life, a deeply negative perspective or suicidal thoughts, you could be suffering from clinical depression and should seek professional help.
Paracelsus Recovery
Paracelsus Recovery is a sanctuary for high-net-worth individuals and their families who require the best available treatment in a discrete five-star environment. We are a leading clinic specialising in the treatment of addictions, mental health issues and biomolecular restoration of the brain and body.
We recognise that the pandemic has been a difficult time for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and we are here to help. Our experts are experienced at working discreetly with high-profile people and we only ever treat one client at a time to ensure maximum care and confidentiality.
When you stay with us, you’ll be the only person interacting with our team. And as a treatment centre concerned with health and wellbeing, we take all the essential precautions to protect you and our staff.
To know more, please follow us on Twitter or contact us directly to info@paracelsus-recovery.com
Paracelsus Recovery
Utoquai 43 | 8008 Zurich | Switzerland
T. +41 52 222 88 00
