I've recently started a journey to increase my overall happiness. This tends to increase with experiences over purchasing things. Curious what some of the great members of this community do to increase their happiness?
Reading and cooking. This is going to sound crazy, because it doesn't increase happiness immediately, but cleaning also increases my happiness in the long run. Having a clean, organized home really reduces a lot of stress.
Agreed on the cleaning observation. I occasionally have a movie night at my house (theater seats 21) so I work tirelessly to clean the majority of the house to accommodate a small crowd. After they leave, It is wonderful to have an organized house. . . sadly as I am constantly working on projects, the organization quickly falls into disorder.
@NoMagicCookie same. I host my book club every couple of months as incentive to stay on top of things...
Absolutely!!! I am miserable and grouchy if my house is messy.
Snorkeling. My wife and I love tropical reefs. Used to scuba but alas, BP Pills ended that for me.
Hiking. Especially in unknown areas. Last we did was the Amazon Jungles and Machu Pichu.
Beautiful music, beautiful scenery, cuddling grandchildren, stroking cat, close friends, great wine, italian food........and so on ad infinitem! ?
Journaling daily, biking, and making music. Not necessarily in that order. Oh, and writing comedy. Good to laugh at life.
I like the comedy writing idea, thanks!
Spot on. Possessions do nothing to increase happiness. Having suffered from depression in the past I make a point of focusing on experiences that increase my happiness and mental health.
Here's my list, in no particular order:
Cooking, Travel, Coaching and mentoring younger staff at work, Hiking, Homebrew, Making love, Hanging out with friends, Reading, Jogging, Music (singing and listening)...
Sing karaoke with friends at various places as often as possible. Play with my dogs.
I don't really need to increase my happiness. I'm pretty happy by myself. But there are lots of things I do to take care of my happiness.
Excersice of any kind. There is weightlifting, running, walking, bicycling. It doesn't need to be crazy, and you don't need to be super in shape. Just moving/being active is better for you and helps to readjust brain chemicals to release more of the feel good stuff (i.e. dopamine, seratonin, and other things like that).
Spend time in nature... Among trees, next to lakes, being present and watching the "unseen" world of flora and fauna go about their daily business.
Here are my guidelines which have enabled me to live a long, active, diverse, satisfying, and joyful life.
I live, appreciate and treasure each moment without expectations about what's ahead.
I live each day reflecting on my yesterdays to see if i need to learn anything for joyful and satisfying tomorrows.
I live each day in a way which ensures that when i look back, it will have been exactly as i needed it to be. So now, after 50 years of adulthood, I can look back at all my yesterdays to reminisce about how much i appreciated and enjoyed them.
And i'm not done yet. LLOL