We all want to spend less time stressing and more time in our happy place. The trick is finding – and staying – in that frame of mind. While retail therapy or Netflix and Chill nights might temporarily get you to your happy place, they’re really just quick fixes. For longer-lasting contentment, here are our top suggestions:
Optimize Your Social Circle
There’s an extension of the law of averages that suggests that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who are those five people for you, and are they complementary to the kind of person you want to be? Identify those friends and family members who bring out the best in you and spend less time with those who don’t.
Unplug
When was the last time you went all day without checking your phone, computer or tablet? The need to constantly be “on” and available is likely impacting you more than you realize. It’s a huge distraction from the important business of caring for yourself and your relationships with others. Pick one “technology-free” day each week and totally unplug. Use the extra time to meditate, declutter or spend time with friends and family and you’ll make your happy place even happier.
Control What You Can
Life is unpredictable for sure, but there are elements in life that you can and should control to achieve peace of mind. Money is a huge stressor for many, and so taking steps to make sure that your financial house is in order is key. Use a financial management tool like Mint.com to consolidate and monitor all your accounts in a single place. Set bills up on autopay and put contributions to your retirement plan on autopilot. While you’re at it, check your insurance coverages to make sure you’re properly covered for unexpected life events. You can’t always control what happens in life, but having your finances in order will help you sleep better at night!
Get Back To Nature
Hikes are great for decompressing, but there are tons of other ways to reconnect yourself to Mother Nature. Go outside and get your hands dirty by planting a garden, raking leaves or just pulling weeds. Simple, repetitive gardening tasks help to clear the mind and time spent in nature is restorative to the soul. The result? More time in your happy place.
Master A New Skill
Figuring out how to do something that previously seemed hard or out of your league is hugely satisfying and creates contentment. Maybe you want to master that handstand in yoga class, or speak Italian, or learn how to craft your own beer. Start with simpler tasks and use the momentum you achieve from your small wins to master even more challenging skills.