As we prepare for the start of a new year. It can be difficult to embody positivity and peace of mind in these uncertain times.
I definitely find it hard to look forward to this year and have to remind myself that feeling happiness is a constant choice to make in my life. It is important to remember that happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment and fulfilment. Happiness can also be described as ‘subjective well-being’ focused on an individual's overall personal feelings about their life in the present.
I have found there are two key components of happiness:
1. The balance of emotions: Everyone experiences both positive and negative emotions,
feelings and moods. Happiness is generally linked to experiencing more positive
feelings than negative.
2. Life satisfaction: This relates to how satisfied you feel with different areas of your life
including your relationships, work, achievements and other things that you consider
important.
Developing and maintaining happiness can be a struggle. However, there are ways to
maintain happiness in our lives. One beneficial way I maintain happiness is by practicing
mindfulness. Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or feeling overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Being mindful has many benefits such as reducing stress, enhancing performance, gaining insight and increasing our attention to others’ well-being. Importantly, mindfulness helps us develop self-compassion, which is essential if we are to develop authentic happiness and peace of mind.
Some mindfulness techniques I find helpful to practice are:
- Deep breathing and building awareness of tension in your body and current emotions
- Seated, walking, standing and moving meditation
- Short pauses we insert into everyday life
- Merging meditation practice with other activities, such as yoga or sports
Hopefully by choosing to be happy and practicing mindfulness, you can develop your own sense of happiness and enter the new year with peace and positivity.
Do you ever find yourself consumed by intrusive thoughts that just won't go away? It's time to take control of your mind and start living life on your own terms. Check out my latest article on Tips on Managing Intrusive Thoughts and discover practical strategies for overcoming unwanted and distressing thoughts.