It has been more than a year since the pandemic started and changed the lives of almost all people in the world. Due to the situation, we are unsure when will things get easy as the pandemic does not seem to be going away anytime soon until the vaccine will be available all over the globe.
The pandemic has not just affected people physically, but it has also caused a toll on the mental health of people, even with physically healthy beings. And women are much more sensitive than men when talking about dealing with their emotions and how they cope with them. That is one reason why women need to keep their happiness levels high during the pandemic.
Research has shown that happiness is, to a large degree, determined by your genes. According to David Lykken, a psychology professor and author of the book Happiness: Its Nature and Nurture, “trying to be happier is like trying to be taller.” Everyone has their set point of happiness. On another note, psychologists who study happiness, including Lykken, believe we can still pursue happiness. We can do that by thwarting negative emotions such as resentment, pessimism, and anger. And we can foster positive emotions such as serenity, empathy, and most especially, gratitude. Here are some things you can do to be happier:
1. Savour happy moments
Instead of getting worked up with worry and fretting about finishing a task, try to savour every moment, feeling, and sensation. Worrying will do nothing for your happiness. Some simple ways you can do to savour every moment include: enjoying the smell and taste of coffee or other favourite food or drinks. Doing this in a sound environment without any electronics like a TV or a cellphone will help a lot. You can also note the things you are thankful for; concentrate on the here and now; or wallow in pleasant memories.
2. Look after your friends
Support from your friends in times of stress brings out comfort and joy.
3. Discover your favourite exercise
Regular exercise has a lot of benefits to our bodies, but it can also ward off depression and in some cases works better than antidepressant pills.
4. You need a sense of humour
Making jokes, laughing at jokes, or simply laughing at videos you see online is another way to make you happy. You can indeed use jokes to lessen the pain of mental stress, illness, and trauma. Humour can help you see the positive side of life and can make you more resilient.
5. Get a hobby or interest
One of the best ways of encouragement in this time of pandemic is to have a passion, interest, or hobby: may it be in art, sports, literature, cooking, and so much more. It is when you are absorbed in this activity that can reach a state of flow. Most of all, you are unaware of time passing while doing something you enjoy. This is one of the best recipes to build up happiness.
6. Reading helps you to continue dreaming
Reading has many perks. It can inform you, take you to exotic locations, help you fantasize, and is a wonderful escape valve. Make a list of books to help you reach your reading goals. We should also help encourage our children to read from early on in life so that they too will experience the joy of reading. Reading can bring you knowledge, inspiration, entertainment, and build up your curiosity in life.
7. Find a mentor
Many women in their career or their daily life need to have a mentor who can be there to guide, advise, instruct and encourage. This is a more practical way to progress than just admiring an idol from afar.
8. Build your self-esteem
Most often than not, failures take up far too much room in your brain which results in problems in building up your self-esteem. To combat this, you can start reading about female heroines who made their mark against all odds. With time, your negative ways of thinking start to change and you start to celebrate every little victory you make.
9. Don’t forget loving relationships
The happiest women are those who are involved in loving relationships, may it be with their family, partners, or friends.
10. Be grateful
Being grateful is very helpful in shaping your mindset. Acknowledging that life is precious makes a big difference on how we live our lives. You can practice gratitude in your life by saying thank you as often as you can.Happiness can be a matter of choice, not just luck. If you are in your pursuit of happiness but can’t seem to do it on your own, you can ask for help from mental health professionals. For consultations and inquiries, you can go to a walk in clinic Thunder Bay. Online consultations are also available. Your mental health is just as important your physical health.
