Brindleyplace, Birmingham

The United Nations and the nonprofit group Action for Happiness, is composed of people from 160 countries. In 2011, the UN General Assembly made it a “fundamental human goal” to give happiness as much priority as economic opportunity

Psychologists often advise against striving for ‘happiness’ because it’s unrealistic to expect to feel happy all the time, and if that’s the goal, daily disappointment could actually have the opposite effect. Research has found that focussing on contentment and resilience is more realistic. For example, as parents, the aim is not to do whatever makes the child happy in each moment, this can lead to spoiled behaviour, lack of resilience and increased codependency in adulthood. So instead of focusing on happiness, focus on contentment, communication and resilience.

While happiness can be seen as an elusive state, there are practical steps we can take to improve contentment and cultivate a more fulfilling life.

1. Practice Gratitude: One of the most powerful ways to increase happiness is by increasing gratitude. Take time to think about or write down what you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as hot water, good health, support of loved ones, the beauty of nature. By forcing ourselves to find things we are grateful for every day, after a few weeks we can rewire the mind to automatically search for these points, improving our natural level of happiness dramatically.

2. Prioritise Relationships: Humans are naturally sociable creatures. Sometimes when we are busy, or overwhelmed, we stop socialising. This has a snowball effect as we can start to feel lonely as well as overwhelmed and without talking to others, it’s easy to lose perspective of concerns. Spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones, engage in meaningful conversations, and express appreciation for each other. Building strong social connections can provide a sense of belonging and support during both good times and bad.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, breathing exercises, or taking mindful walks can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and enhance overall happiness. By consciously choosing to tune into the present moment, you can train the brain to stay present automatically. Focusing on the present moment stops us from worrying about the past which can lead to depression, or worrying about the future which can lead to anxiety.

4. Pursue Meaningful Goals: We all need a reason to get up in the morning. Identify goals that align with your values and passions, whether they’re related to your career, personal growth, or contribution to society. Break them down into achievable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.

5. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for happiness. It’s common to feel uncomfortable taking time for yourself, or treating yourself, but remember, the best way to help others is, being the best version of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritise self-care activities that recharge your batteries whether it’s increasing your sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising more regularly, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Make being kind to yourself and self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Conclusion:

On International Day of Happiness and every day, remember that happiness is not just a destination but a journey that involves intentional effort and practice. By incorporating these simple strategies into your life, you can enhance your happiness and contribute to a more joyful and fulfilling world. Let’s celebrate happiness, spread kindness, and make every day a little brighter for ourselves and those around us.

Check out our 30 day happiness calendar, designed to help you feel happier every day for a month!

• Day 1: Gratitude Journal – Start a gratitude journal, write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
• Day 2: Random Acts of Kindness – Perform a random act of kindness for someone else, whether it’s a compliment, a small gift, or lending a helping hand.
• Day 3: Digital Detox – Take a break from technology for a few hours and enjoy the present moment without distractions.
• Day 4: Mindful Eating – Practise mindful eating by savouring each bite of your meals and paying attention to the tastes, textures, and sensations. Check out the Brindley Life App for delicious discounts! (iOS & Android)
• Day 5: Connect with Nature – Spend time outdoors and connect with nature by going for a walk, hike, or simply enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. Try the Brindleyplace fitness trail here!
• Day 6: Self-Care Day – Indulge in a day of self-care activities, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or practising meditation. Book in for a free massage at Brindleyplace!
• Day 7: Practise Forgiveness – Release any resentment or anger by practising forgiveness towards yourself or others.
• Day 8: Exercise Routine – Start a new exercise routine that you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, jogging, or dancing. Book in for a free yoga class at Brindleyplace!
• Day 9: Learn Something New – Challenge yourself to learn something new, whether it’s a new language, skill, or hobby.
• Day 10: Volunteer – Give back to your community by volunteering your time or skills to a cause you care about. Donate to a Brindleyplace charity!
• Day 11: Social Media Cleanse – Take a break from social media and focus on building meaningful connections offline.
• Day 12: Laugh – Watch a comedy show to boost your mood and reduce stress.
• Day 13: Practice Mindfulness – Set aside time for mindfulness meditation or simply practise being present in the moment throughout the day.
• Day 14: Express Gratitude – Reach out to someone you’re grateful for and express your appreciation to them.
• Day 15: Declutter Your Space – Spend some time decluttering and organising your living space to create a sense of calm and clarity.
• Day 16: Get Creative – Try a creative activity that brings you joy, whether it’s painting, writing, or playing music.
• Day 17: Positive Affirmations – Start your day with positive affirmations to boost self-confidence and cultivate a positive mindset. E.g. I am happy, I am healthy, I am lucky.
• Day 18: Mindful Breathing – Practise breathing exercises throughout the day to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Day 19: Practice Generosity – Give away something you no longer need or donate to a charity of your choice.
• Day 20: Gratitude Walk – Take a walk and focus on all the things you’re grateful for in your life.
• Day 21: Digital Declutter – Organise important files, delete old emails, unsubscribe from unnecessary notifications or apps.
• Day 22: Acts of Self-Kindness – Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it’s your favourite dessert, a movie night, or a relaxing bath.
• Day 23: Mindful Communication – Practise active listening and mindful communication with others.
• Day 24: Connect with Loved Ones – Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up with them.
• Day 25: Practice Gratitude Before Bed – Reflect on three things you’re grateful for before going to sleep.
• Day 26: Nature Meditation – Find a peaceful spot in nature and spend time meditating or simply enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Day 27: Set Boundaries – Set healthy boundaries in your relationships and prioritise your own needs and well-being.
• Day 28: Cultivate Optimism – Challenge negative thoughts and focus on finding solutions and opportunities for growth.
• Day 29: Reflect on Achievements – Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and celebrate how far you’ve come.
• Day 30: Spread Happiness – Share your happiness with others by spreading kindness, positivity, and joy wherever you go.