Happiness is essential to our everyday lives. The older you get, the easier it is to spot the things you’re doing, or not doing, to sabotage your emotional well-being. We all strive for the feeling of true contentment. So, what’s the secret? Happiness is something you have to create by way of a lifestyle choice.. meaning you have to choose to be happy. All happy women share the same habits, so the sooner you follow these tips, the happier you’ll feel.

1. Practice self-care.

Self-care is crucial to your well-being. Taking care of your body means loving yourself as a person. The most important thing in life is your health — mental, physical, and emotional. So invest in it. You can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. Some simple ways to prioritize self-care is purchasing that cute handbag you’ve been dying for, or even sleeping in for an extra 15 minutes tomorrow morning. Don’t make excuses for yourself!

2. Set a daily routine.

Setting a daily routine is a healthy habit to form. It’s key to finding balance in your life because it reminds you to create time for the things you love. Whether it’s a healthy breakfast, exercise, or family. Create a routine around what is important to you and stick to it! Using your morning hours will set you up for a whole day of success. Although it’s not an easy task, perfecting a morning routine that is positive and productive is important for your priorities and needs. So, take the time for yourself and write a list of what you’d like to accomplish every day!

3. Remain open-minded.

Remain open to life and all it has to offer. Openness and curiosity allow you to grow and evolve. Stay open to change and discover new things along the way.

4. Smile often.

If you start the day by smiling, the world will smile back — positive energy attracts positive energy. Happy and confident people know the power of a warm, generous smile! Even if your heart is aching, choose to be joyful (and smile) because it does effect how you feel internally. Positivity is contagious and people typically want to be around individuals who possess that same character quality.

5. Be kind.

A random act of kindness can go a long way and there are so many simple ways to show compassion throughout your day. Kindness brings people together, breaks down barriers, and can change your outlook on life! So make a conscious effort every day to remain humble and kind.

6. Express gratitude.

Before you go to sleep, make it a habit to remind yourself what you are thankful for — like a cozy bed and people who love you. We often think about what we don’t have, rather than being grateful for what we do.

7. Learn to say “no.”

Learn to say no to things that will increase your stress levels and destroy your happiness. Trust yourself and do what’s best for you. Learning to decline an offer or request is a freeing experience! If your friends invite you out and you simply don’t want to go, politely decline their invitation. If they’re truly your friends, they’ll understand. Know your limits and don’t push yourself to the point of unhappy exhaustion.

8. Accept your flaws.

Stop thinking negatively about yourself when you look in the mirror. Perfection exists nowhere, so pursuing it is a waste of energy. Just love yourself!

9. Have accountability.

Take responsibility for your actions and never blame others for your mistakes. Accept when you are wrong and apologize! Women who blame other’s lose the respect of those around them and build an environment of distrust and resentment. Big no-no! The sooner you accept your mistakes and focus on fixing them, the happier you’ll be.

10. Get enough sleep.

Sleep is one of the biggest necessities of life! Lack of sleep causes chronic fatigue, headaches, weight gain, confusion, heart problems, and depression. Prioritize getting around 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night and wake up feeling refreshed. Sleep is essential for an individuals mental and physical well-being.

11. Be passionate.

Remember to take the time to do what you love — whether it’s writing, painting, or reading. Discover what your passionate about and possess it to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

12. Choose your friends wisely.

Clear your life of toxic relationships and invest time in the friendships you enjoy. It doesn’t matter how strong or independent you think you are, you are still impressionable! The individuals you choose to hang out with not only impact other’s perceptions of you, they also impact the way you see yourself and those around you. Your forgiveness and kindness will not change who they are.

13. Compliments.

Whether your complimenting yourself, or someone else, a simple compliment can change your whole day. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how good you look! And believe it! If you admire someone’s style or smile, don’t be shy and let them know. Compliments can go a long way. It feels good to know that you’ve made someone else feel good!

14. Stop complaining.

Nobody likes a person who is constantly complaining, and we don’t want to be around that person, either. If you can identify a pattern of complaining in your life, work on focusing this habit in the opposite direction. Remain positive! Choosing to allow kind and uplifting things to come out of your mouth has a way of putting them into your mind and heart!

15. Don’t worry about what other people think.

I know it’s not easy, I understand! It’s completely normal, actually. But don’t let it become an unhealthy obsession that fills you with uncontrollable anxiety. We all care about the opinions of others, but the happiest people care the least. Over thinking things will definitely ruin your happiness. Let go and just focus on yourself.

16. Address your anxieties.

More than 40 million people suffer from anxiety in the United States, women being twice as likely to be affected than men. Yikes! Learn to manage your anxiety and control it so you can be happier. Address it effectively and discover your limits, triggers, and strengths.

17. Spend time alone.

I love spending time alone, I really do! It gives me a chance to focus on myself. It also gives me the opportunity to get to know myself and what I truly desires. So, make “me time” a priority. Read a book. Meditate. Watch a movie. You don’t always need to be accompanied by others.

18. Let go of grudges.

Release whatever regret you hold on too. If you have any negative feelings towards someone, let them go. The negativity will only make you feel bad. Resentment hurts the person who resents more than it does the individual you’re focusing your resentment on. Free yourself and your happiness will implode.

19. Listen to your heart.

Asking yourself for advice and your loved ones for support will increase your happiness. You have the answers for your own life, so stop asking other people what you should do in whatever situation you find yourself in. Listen to that inner voice inside your head and don’t second guess it!

20. Utilize a healthy relationship with money.

Don’t let your bank account dictate your self-esteem. When money is low, don’t stress! Remember to value yourself.

There you have it, ladies! Practice these habits and you’ll be sure to live yourself a happy life! Here’s to 2019 — bring it on!

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”

http://www.ambitiousashley.com