The ups and downs of life are gradual enough to prevent whiplash, but they can leave us feeling dusty and dull at the tail end of it all. But what if we held the power to ignite our inner light each day?
It’s true!
By weaving simple practices into your routine, you can brighten your day, turning it luminous from lackluster or worse. Read the Happiness Guide: 7 Steps to Contentment for a more extended version of what’s to follow.
Let’s explore some empowering rituals to make your day, every day!
1. Morning Mindfulness (10 Minutes)
Instead of hitting snooze, set your alarm ten minutes earlier. We all need some time to fully come awake and prepare ourselves to face a new day.
Use this time for some quiet reflection. You can also take this time to make yourself a cup of coffee and, in the meantime, jot down a few things you’re grateful for in a journal or simply sit quietly and focus on your breath.
This mindfulness for happiness approach can brighten your day and keep it that way long after the sun’s gone down.
2. Maintain the Momentum (30 Minutes)
Pencil in some form of exercise most days of the week to enjoy your job and life more. It doesn’t have to be a gym session—a brisk walk during your lunch break, a yoga routine at home, or a bike ride with a friend all work wonders.
Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. However, don’t turn it into competitive sports. If there’s anything Jennifer Jennings warns against, it’s finding true happiness in external achievements.
If you’re going to pin your happiness on winning a race, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment.
Do it because it makes you happy and could brighten your day, not to prove something to yourself or others.
3. Fuel Your Focus (Throughout the Day)
Ditch the sugary breakfast cereals. Instead, aim for a balanced meal with whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
Pack snacks throughout the day to avoid energy crashes. Staying hydrated with water is also essential for maintaining focus and mood.
4. Connect and Recharge (1 Hour, Weekly)
A study found that social interaction with strong (close family and friends) and weak ties (distant relatives and other acquaintances) benefits your social and emotional well-being.
Schedule a dedicated time slot each week to connect with loved ones. Whether it’s a phone call with a friend, a video chat with family, or an in-person coffee date, you must make an effort to interact with others.
5. Digital Detox (1 Hour, Daily)
Set boundaries with technology. Dedicate at least one hour each day to disconnect from screens, especially when you’re doom scrolling because you’re alone at a bus stop or a similar public location.
This could be during your commute, before bed, or even during your lunch break. Use this time to read a book, take a walk, or focus on the present moment.
By incorporating these rituals into your daily life, you can brighten your day and eventually become the architect of your sunshine. Don’t forget to purchase your Kindle copy of the happiness motivational book for more such tips on finding true happiness.