2024 is here at last. The new year brings with it a promise of a fresh start and a better future filled with opportunities for growth, improvement, and positive change.
A YouGov poll found that of the one-third of Americans who planned to set a goal or make a New Year’s resolution, around 22% chose “be happy” as their 2024 resolution. This was right behind the 23% polled who chose saving more money as their top goal.
If you want to wake up each day in 2024 and proclaim “I am happier!”, there are many different ways for you to achieve this goal. Keep reading below for 10 actions you can take to be happy in 2024.
1. Embrace the “I Am Happier” Mentality
It’s easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom of the world around us. But one of the ways you can be happy is by focusing on a positive mindset.
Start each day with a positive affirmation or mantra like “I am happier!” and repeat it to yourself over and over again. By focusing on the positive, it helps you set a better tone for the rest of your day. It also helps rewire your thought process to embrace positivity.
2. Set Meaningful Goals
It can be tough to start a new year off right. Often we feel so much pressure to better ourselves by a given deadline and then take it personally when we don’t meet these goals which can affect our sense of self-worth. A better approach is to define clear and achievable goals that align with your values.
Instead of saying you’re going to lose 40 pounds in 6 months, commit to a healthy lifestyle and get more regular exercise. Working towards meaningful objectives can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing to your overall happiness so you can say “I am happier!”
3. Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation
It’s also easy to get caught up in all the things we should be doing or need to finish. But this pre-worry can take us out of the here and now and make us miss out on being present in the moment. Mindfulness is the act of removing these judgments and distractions.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and fully engage in each moment. Meditation can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and enhance your overall sense of happiness. Mindfulness and meditation can help you think “I am happier” and mean it.
4. Give Back to Others
If you find yourself wallowing in self-pity or feeling like your life lacks purpose, volunteer! Give your time or help someone in need. This is a surefire way to improve your mood.
Acts of kindness and generosity can create a positive impact on both the giver and the recipient. This fosters a sense of community and purpose.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
We tend to only focus on big accomplishments and don’t give credit to the little things we achieve every day. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Maybe you finally completed a phone call you’ve been dreading or you tried a new recipe and it came out well. Recognizing and appreciating your progress will boost your self-esteem and contribute to an increased sense of happiness.
6. Limit Your Screen Time
Social media can be entertaining in small doses but it can also make us want to constantly compare our lives and our successes against friends, family, and even celebrities we’ve never met.
Living vicariously through screens can be damaging. Especially when you consider that the average working-age user spends over 2 and a half hours each day on social media.
Take breaks from digital devices to connect with the real world. Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in outdoor activities, and allow yourself to be fully present without the distractions of technology.
7. Practice Positive Self-Talk
As humans, we can frequently be our own worst enemy. It’s a common occurrence to get into a pattern of trash-talking ourselves. Be mindful of your internal dialogue for negative thoughts and flip the script.
One way you can break this cycle is by showing gratitude to yourself. Taking a moment each day to express gratitude for something positive about yourself can be a small but meaningful win for your mental well-being.
8. Prioritize Self-Care
You may find yourself always being the one to take care of others. While this may feel fulfilling at the time, it can quickly lead to burnout and emotional breakdowns.
Caring for yourself first is one of the best ways to reach an “I am happier” mentality. Make self-care a part of your routine. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, get regular exercise, and engage in fun and enjoyable activities.
9. Take Probiotic Supplements
Studies have shown that the balance of microbes and bacteria in your gut can actually affect your mood as well. This gut-brain connection can impact feeling anxious, stressed out, or depressed. When your mind is stressed, it can affect your stomach, and when your stomach is in distress, it can affect your brain.
Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your gastrointestinal tract to better regulate your digestive system. The benefits of probiotics for women include a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This supports better nutrient absorption and potentially contributes to overall immune system function.
To confidently state “I am happier!” try incorporating probiotics into your routine to improve your mood.
10. Connect with Others
Being lonely can be detrimental to your mental health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Foster healthy relationships that contribute positively to your well-being and let go of any toxic connections.
Make time to go out with good friends for an evening or spend time with family. Initiating or deepening connections with friends, family, or colleagues can have a big impact on building and maintaining positive relationships and developing a better “I am happier” mindset.
Find More Information on How You Can Live Stress-Free in the New Year Right Here
It’s possible to stand in the mirror and proudly proclaim, “I am happier!” With the proper mindset, regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and the right people by your side, you’ll be on your way to a better you in no time.
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