We’re not talking momentary feel-good happiness here. But the deep, lasting contentment that stems from balance, connection, and a sense of meaning. So, here’s how to achieve greater happiness in your life, courtesy of several experts interviewed by Family Circle magazine:
- Do one thing at a time. Just because you can multi-task, doesn’t mean you have to. Studies show that constant juggling destroys focus, blunts creativity, and makes every task take longer. So, next time you feel frantic, ask yourself what one thing absolutely has to be done now – and do it. Once it’s finished, take a slow, deep breath while you appreciate your achievement, and move on to the next task on your to-do list.
- Organize your environment. If every flat surface in your house is piled with papers and junk, watch out. Sunny Schlenger, author of Organizing for the Spirit, says you can tell how well you're dealing with life by what your environment looks like. She points out that clutter can overwhelm your spirit, and disorganization causes constant, imperceptible stress. The fix: spend 10 minutes every day de-cluttering one spot where things accumulate.And stop trying to find places to store what you don’t really love or need. Give it away or haul it to the curb. With less stuff to take care of, you’ll have more time to devote to the things that really move your life forward.
- Do something for yourself. Alice Domar, author of Self-Nurture, says that women find it easier to be kind to others than to be kind to themselves. So, break the habit! Make a list of at least a dozen things that give you pleasure. And every time you finish a difficult task or have a few extra minutes, give yourself an instant reward.
