When life gets hectic, it’s easy to lose sight of your wellbeing and your own happiness can feel like an afterthought. In fact, a report from the World Wellbeing Movement reveals that 12% of people in the UK live below the “Happiness Poverty Line”.

The good news is that boosting your happiness doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul of your life. Smaller, more deliberate changes to your habits can make a significant difference.

So, continue reading to discover 10 simple yet effective ways to improve your happiness this year.

1. Open your windows

Fresh air can be incredibly helpful for your mood.

While a walk in nature might be preferable, even opening your windows to let in natural light and a breeze can help you feel more connected with the outside world.

Better yet, natural light could help regulate your body’s internal clock, improving both your mood and quality of sleep.

2. Get in touch with an old friend

Reconnecting with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can be surprisingly uplifting. Even a simple phone call or text message could help you rekindle a meaningful relationship.

While it can sometimes be challenging to get back in touch with someone from your past out of the blue, it’s worth focusing on the benefits of positive connections in your life rather than the anxiety.

3. Talk to a stranger

You don’t have to speak to someone from your past to improve your mood; even engaging in a brief conversation with a stranger can brighten your day.

Small interactions can provide a sense of community and leave you with a sense of connection.

You might simply want to compliment someone who serves you at a coffee shop or stands next to you in a queue, as doing so could reduce feelings of loneliness and improve your wellbeing.

4. Pick up litter in your local area

Doing things for your local community can boost your sense of purpose, and picking up litter is a small act that can make a noticeable difference.

Indeed, it can improve your local environment and give you a sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve contributed to a cleaner space.

5. Focus on your breathing

If you ever feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts, it’s worth taking a few moments to focus on slow and deliberate breathing.

Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and clear your mind. So, you may want to practise techniques such as box breathing, where you take four seconds to inhale, hold your breath, and then exhale.

6. Read poetry

Spending time reading poetry can provide a fresh perspective on life and help you process your emotions differently.

Whether you choose classic or more modern verses, reading poetry can be a meditative activity that also encourages introspection.

7. Acknowledge the difficult moments

Being happy doesn’t mean you have to constantly avoid challenging emotions. In fact, taking the time to sit with your feelings of sadness or frustration can actually improve your overall wellbeing.

Rather than suppressing them, acknowledging these sorts of emotions could better allow you to move through them, building your emotional resilience.

8. Attempt journaling

If you struggle to deal with and acknowledge negative emotions, it might be helpful to write them down in a journal. This provides a space to reflect on your thoughts and feelings and even set yourself emotional targets.

You don’t have to write long or elaborate paragraphs – just a few sentences each day about how you’ve felt can give you some much-needed clarity and perspective.

9. Don’t compare yourself to others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media.

Remember that everyone is unique, and focusing on your own achievements could help you foster feelings of self-confidence.

As such, make sure to celebrate your personal progress, no matter how insignificant it might seem!

10. Declutter your space

Removing any unnecessary clutter from your home or workspace could contribute to a calmer, more organised environment. The phrase “tidy house, tidy mind” exists for a reason, after all.

You could even start small, perhaps with a single drawer of your desk, and take notice of how this lifts your mood. Then, you can gradually work your way up until your home is clutter-free.

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