What makes you happy? I have asked a lot of people this question as I am researching this for my next book, which is currently called Good Health and Happiness. And it is a question I ask the guests on my podcast. Everyone says something different.
I think we can all lead the best life ever, but we need to think about what we need to do to achieve this.
We rush though life and we may not have thought about what makes us happy. Ask yourself: What do you love doing? What makes you happy? What makes you smile? What makes you feel freedom?
I’ve met too many people who tell me they are going to retire and when I ask them what they are going to do, they have not thought about it.
I have spent a lot of time thinking about happiness. When I was going through a difficult time, and found myself waking up most mornings feeling low, I decided that before I got out of bed, I would think about what I was going to do that day that would make me happy. I love my job, but I needed something else in my day that would bring me happiness. If I had a day with nothing very exciting going on, I would make sure I added something. It might just be a candlelight bath, a 10-minute kitchen disco or time to read my book.
I also think more long term about my happiness by doing a vision board every January. I spend November and December thinking about what will make it the best year ever. Then I find images and words that represent what I want to do, and I look at the board regularly to remind myself. It has really worked. Since I have been doing this, my life has changed for the better.
In my conversations with people about what makes them happy, I have found three themes: work, family and friends and self. I think balancing all three is ideal. Some people tell me things that can be achieved daily, but sometimes they are things that are difficult to do on a regular basis. Again we need balance.
It is terrific if our job makes us happy. But I do not think it is that good for us if this is the only thing that brings us happiness. We all need some downtime, with family/friends and play.
Quality time with family and friends is important for happiness for many people. Holidays, days out, adventures, and just being with family and friends. Several people have told me that they get a great sense of gratitude from helping and looking after others.
But I think finding happiness in ourselves is hugely important and something we do not do enough. When I see someone is not happy, this is where I start. Finding happiness within yourself is key. An easy place to start is spending time in nature; a sunrise or sunset walk, time at the beach, walking in the hills. I also suggest finding a hobby – what about something we used to enjoy when we were younger? When I start talking to people about this, they often remember a hobby they used to love and have forgotten about. It might be making art, seeing art, sports, nature, music, dancing, a team or solo sport: the list goes on. We all love different things. As adults, we sometimes forget how to play. Hobbies can be done with friends and in a community which is good for our wellbeing. But it is also key to be happy spending time with yourself.
For many of us, it takes time to think about what makes us happy and our thoughts may change with time. But it is important to think of how we can be happy every day of our lives and what we could do to make our lives the best life ever.
Have you thought about this? If you want some inspiration, listen to my podcast and hear what my guests say: Why didn’t anyone tell me this?
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