The post-pandemic world has certainly been filled and filled with anxiety as we face many experiences for the first time while adapting to the new normal. Our happiness charts have been chaotic over the past two years, to say the least. That’s why it’s become more important to discuss how to bring a sense of joy and positivity into our homes, workplaces, and lives in general. Experts agree that happiness is not a destination we must reach, but a state of mind we must achieve. Anyone can achieve by bringing about a conscious change in outlook and lifestyle. ‘Whether it’s home or life, cleaning is the best way’ Your state of happiness depends as much on your environment as on your inner self. Too many things can weigh you down. Therefore, a clean and airy house will help you breathe peacefully. Psychologist Riya Parkhi shares: “The accumulation of negative emotions or thoughts in your mind can affect your health. Likewise, a messy room or house will make you depressed without you even realizing it. Practice cleaning, organizing, and decorating. Simple actions like cleaning your room or closet, buying plants, decorating your place with small accessories, etc. will improve your mood a lot.” She suggests getting rid of any items you haven’t used in more than a year. Unnecessary and no longer used products are what make you disappointed every time you look at them. “Especially if you have children or pets, the chances of your house being messy are higher. Designate one day each week to clean. “This may sound like extra work, but once you get it done, you’ll feel a lot more at peace,” she says. The same is true for your thoughts. The more you let go of the negativity within, the more space you have for other emotions. “Put your thoughts down whenever you feel overwhelmed. Take some time for your thoughts and understand whether you really have room for them in your life. Letting go is an age-old but solid piece of advice,” Parkhi added. ‘It’s all about finding joy in worldly things’ Although it may sound cliché, happiness is mainly found in the little things rather than the big things. A simple smile from a stranger, a pat on the dog on the way to work, the first sip of coffee or tea each morning, or even a regular chat with your loved ones, no matter what. Anything that makes you smile is equivalent to a moment of happiness. “Delaying happiness is never a good idea. People should avoid saying things like, ‘I will be happy when I marry a perfect partner’ or ‘I will be happy when I go on vacation.’ Happiness is our natural state of being, but in pursuit of it, we tend to look for bigger things like a promotion, a vacation or the perfect partner and set conditions. there is no need for it,” shares Holistic Lifestyle Coach and Founder of YouCare, Luke Coutinho. ‘Living mindfully and positively is a powerful tool’Whether in the workplace or other social settings, Coutinho says there are certain elements that will always get you down. With the gradual opening of offices after a gap of almost two years, dealing with workplace stress can be difficult. “Factors like comparison, trying to be perfect all the time, being a people-pleaser, or toxic thoughts can impact your daily happiness,” he says. Celebrating small achievements, talking to colleagues, friends or family, taking short breaks to do things you love or even making sure to eat lunch on time will help you better handle daily stress. . “The feeling of happiness begins with a happy thought. If I ask you to feel happy right now, you can’t. You need to have a happy thought in your mind to experience happiness. This is where the power of positive thoughts and thinking comes into play. If the quality of your thoughts is mostly sad and negative, you will definitely experience sadness,” shares Coutinho. To cultivate happiness, Coutinho suggests a simple exercise of three small actions called BRG: 1) Get in tune with yourself, sit back and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. 2) Receive and acknowledge things that make you happy from others, be it a hug or a cup of tea. 3) Thank or acknowledge the person who makes you happy.
