We can’t know what 2022 has in store for us, nor can self-healing erase any grief, trauma or other challenges we may have suffered in the past 12 months. But as we look ahead to the new year, we can adopt healthy new habits that will gradually improve our life, if only for a moment, but that’s enough.
Here are 10 happiness tips to try in the new year to cheer up yourself!
#1 Start a gratitude journal
Just taking a few minutes to record the good things in your day, whether they are major accomplishments or simple joys, can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even promote better relationships by building empathy. There is no right or wrong way to keep a journal, but writing down good things every day helps our spiritual lives. The director of clinical psychology recommends journaling at the same time each day, either before dinner or before bed, and making sure to record at least one thing you are grateful for each day.
#2 Take five deep breaths
Stress can cause many of our physical manifestations, including stomach pains or other digestive problems. So by changing our breathing patterns, we can “trick” our brains into suppressing the sympathetic nervous system and increasing parasympathetic activity, which can make us feel calmer and help us digest better.
#3 Asking for help
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is human nature to help each other. When the workload is too much, ask someone to help you share the workload and don’t feel embarrassed. If you’re too tired to prepare dinner, go to a restaurant and let someone else serve you for once, it should feel good.
#4 Drink Water
Our bodies are made up of 60 percent water, but up to 75 percent of us are chronically dehydrated. Having enough water in our bodies will help smooth out our moods.
#5 Marking Down What’s Happening
Some studies have shown that when we feel distressed or anxious, verbally tagging the negative emotions we are experiencing can reduce stress by half or more.
#6 Turn your skincare routine into a few minutes of self-care
In addition to the usual skincare routine of taking care of our face, other parts of our skin actually need care as well. We can relax and nourish our bodies and minds if we treat our skin at least once a week, by using a mask or other skin care product, lighting an aromatherapy candle, playing soft music, reading or lying down while waiting for the active ingredients to penetrate our skin.
#9 Connect with friends
People are a group, so we need family and friends. If the day is busy and you don’t have time to connect with your friends, take time to have a cup of coffee with them once in a while. A good conversation can bring us a good mood and can even change everything in the day.
#10 Create a relaxing time to sleep
Stress and anxiety are the two most common reasons for poor sleep. Taking some time to relax – preferably without your phone for at least 30 minutes before bedtime – can help you get a better night sleep, which can improve your mood. Read a good book, have a cup of tea or a satisfying dessert, chat with a loved one or do any activity that calms you down so you can get a better night sleep too.
