If you ask people what they want, most will tell you it’s money.
But in reality, they’re only saying that because they believe money will bring them happiness.
But as they say, you can't take money with you when you go.
And when you're on your deathbed, you're not going to think about the moments that brought you wealth.
You'll think about the ones that brought you joy. So how do you achieve happiness?
Well, the answers are easier said than done, but they're worth the effort.
How to Be Healthy
We're starting with health over happiness because the two are interconnected. It's difficult to be happy without first establishing patterns of good health.
Joy can only be present when your body is getting the right nutrients and exercises.
Happiness isn’t an inevitable result of health, but it’s more difficult to find happiness without a healthy body and mind.
Here are some tips for optimizing your body for happiness.
Eat more whole foods – If your diet is filled with processed foods, it's time for a change.
Not only do these foods tend to be devoid of nutrients, but they contain things that detract from your health, such as trans fats and chemical preservatives.
You don't have to stress about calories, diet, or weight to achieve good health and happiness.
Just include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on your plate every day (if possible, with every meal).
Give up bad habits – Bad habits may include something that’s considered benign, like late-night snacking, or something more detrimental, like smoking or doing drugs.
When it comes down to it, no one is as familiar with your bad habits as you.
You know about the things you shouldn’t be doing, so make an effort to stop.
If you’re binge eating at night, get a lock for the fridge.
If you’re smoking, consider a patch or hypnosis.
And if you’re drinking too much or abusing drugs, seek addiction treatment.
Each one of these bad habits, and others you may have, are detracting from your health and happiness.
Exercise more – Experts recommend that we all get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily or 2 ½ hours every week for optimal health.
You don't have to run a marathon or deadlift heavy weights to accomplish this. A simple walk will do the trick.
Exercise encourages the body to release endorphins which can help reduce pain and induce a sense of depression-busting euphoria.
Here are some ideas for optimizing your mind for happiness.
Start With a Morning Meditation
Meditation offers a way to help clear the mind while focusing on the present moment.
With regular practice, you will become better at living in the present instead of focusing on the past or future.
We’re all guilty of dwelling on the hurts of the past or wishing we could fast forward life to a better moment.
But if this is where you are all the time, you will never find true happiness. Happiness lies in enjoying the journey instead of focusing on the destination.
Release Your Expectations
It's not your partner or your friend that's genuinely hurting you. It's your expectations.
In most cases, the people in our lives are blissfully unaware that we even expect these things from them.
When you're happy in each moment, you're not worried about what will come next.
Set Clear and Realistic Goals
See, you’re in good company. But instead of setting goals that involve future accomplishments, set shorter goals that you can attain right away.
You may even want to set a goal for each day so that you can feel accomplished at the end.
You see, a whole year of new habits is a bit out of reach for most people.
Instead, set a goal that feels realistic for you.
It may be a day, week, or month.
It doesn't matter how long or short they are.
The best goals are the ones you achieve.
Focus on Your Important Relationships
What’s the number one source of stress in your life?
If it’s money, you’re in luck because it’s not nearly as important as you think it is.
Sure, you need money to pay bills and build financial security, but it will not bring you happiness (no matter how hard you try).
Love and relationships will bring you happiness, so these are the areas on which you should focus.
You'll find that you'll get a much better return on your time investment here too.
Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Even when you release expectations and put less emphasis on money, you’re still going to experience stressful moments.
Everyone does. That’s why it helps to have healthy coping mechanisms
True happiness is the Holy Grail of life. Once you learn how to find happiness on your own, no one can take it away from you.