Everyone, even the happiest people we know, can use a
“happy place” where they can collect their thoughts, relax, and let go of the
stresses of daily life. This “place” doesn’t have to be a place at all. It can
be a hobby or a habit that provides you with a sense of well-being. Establishing
a positive space or routine will improve your daily life and prepare you to
weather any stressful times that the future may bring. Here are 7 ways to find
your “happy place.”
1. Travel to Your Happy Place
For some people, traveling is one of their happy places, and
being on the go to the next new location thrills them. Though the draw of
faraway travel is undeniable, you don’t have to visit the other side of the
world to enjoy the excitement of travel. Anything from a weekend getaway to a short day trip can allow you to unplug from your daily routine and recharge. Choose a
place you’ve always wanted to visit or your area’s quirky destination spot and
make a plan. You might find there is as much fun in the planning as there is in
the actual vacation.
2. Create a Beautiful Space
Creating a beautiful space is one way to carve out a happy place for yourself. Though the idea of a she-shed or secret garden is appealing, you don’t have to undertake a massive project to find a peaceful place. Choose one room of your house or even one corner, and decorate in a way that makes you happy, even if it doesn’t appeal to everyone in your home. The idea is to create a place where you can get away, if even for a few minutes a day, and focus on your happiness.
3. Find a Passion Project
Find a passion project and learn something new. Passion projects should be something you do just for the sheer enjoyment of it, and, ideally, something that won’t swamp you with more responsibility. So, learn calligraphy and send hand-decorated birthday cards to friends and family. Start a small pollinator garden and watch the bees and butterflies. Take a dance class. Learn a language. Doing something that is purely for your own enjoyment and that you commit to doing a certain amount of time each day or each week can help you feel like a more well-rounded individual and help you feel unstuck from the ruts of daily life routines.
4. Play
Playing is another way to find a happy place for yourself.
This could be playing with your children, playing with your pets, playing
sports with friends, or playing by yourself. If you tend to sit on the bench
while your child builds a sandcastle, get down in the sand next time and build
along with them. Creative play helps diminish our stress levels by taking our
minds off our regular thoughts and allowing us to work through our emotions.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering is another way to create a happy space for you and others. There are so many organizations in need of volunteers in every community. Find one that matches your interests and your skills and sign up. Volunteering helps us build new communities for ourselves and gain empathy for others.
6. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation is an important tool for creating happiness
for yourself. No matter where you are, you can meditate, even for just a few
minutes. A variety of apps provide guided meditation, or you can do some
breathing meditation to help focus your mind away from your stressors.
7. Exercise and Eat Healthy
Exercise and healthful eating might seem more like
doctors’ orders rather than a happy place, but focusing on your health,
especially by exercising, can transport you in a variety of ways. Not only will
you physically feel better, but you will also benefit from the happy hormones produced
by exercise and proper nutrition. Some studies have shown that eating an
antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety and
depression.
No matter how busy your life is right now, there is a way
for you to destress and find a happy place of your own. An easy way to start is
by incorporating Superberries Aronia berries into your diet. They are a good
source of polyphenols, which is a group of antioxidants. You can add them to meals,
beverages, and desserts, to add a splash of bright color, bold flavor, and healthful
antioxidants.
