Being happy seems simple. But so often we bog ourselves down with self-inflicted internal and social pressures, and then it’s not so simple.
If you are looking for ways to be happy, give up these 14 things.
1) Give up trying to please everyone.
Learn to say no. It may be hard in the beginning, but with each repeat experience, saying no gets easier and easier.
2) Give up trying to impress others.
Stop trying to be someone that you’re not, just to impress others. When you stop and embrace the real you, people will be impressed.
3) Give up doing everything yourself.
People need each other. There’s a reason 7 billion people inhabit the earth. Asking for help doesn't make you weak.
4) Give up ignoring your body.
Are you drinking or eating too much? Do you need to work out? Your body is always talking to you. Do yourself a favor, listen to it and take care of it. You’ll be happier if you do.
5) Give up comparing yourself to others.
Don't compare. No one is perfect and you have no idea the struggles others face on a daily basis.
6) Give up talking smack about yourself.
Don’t believe all the negative and self-defeating stuff that your mind tells you. Turn the channel and listen to the playlist of great stuff about you.
7) Give up fearing failure.
Failure is simply a part of life. It’s okay to fail, but keep striving. Don’t think of failure as a stumbling block, but rather a stepping stone.
8) Give up spending time with people you don't actually like.
Spending time with people who don’t make you happy is just a mistake. There's nothing wrong with breaking up with a friend. There’s no rule that says you have to be friends forever.
9) Give up making excuses or blaming others.
It’s easy to make excuses or blame others for things that go wrong or that you didn’t do. Give up these unhealthy habits and start taking responsibility for yourself.
10) Give up the idea that you shouldn't eat food you love.
Short of having a medical reason, eat what you want. It’s all about moderation. Don't constantly deprive yourself of things you love.
11) Give up on settling.
Don't settle, don't accept the minimum of what you think you deserve. Realize and accept your true value. I like their advice the Huffington Post's advice — “dream even bigger and give yourself permission to soar.”
12) Give up wearing painful shoes.
Embrace your flats. Wear running shoes instead of the high heels that give you blisters. You'll be happier taking that first step and beyond.
13) Give up on saving your vacation days.
Don't work so hard all the time. You’ve earned those vacation days. Plan trips. Go to places near and far. See things. Create new experiences and memories.
14) Give up regrets about the past.
Many of us think we should have done things differently in the past. Give yourself a break. Live in the present.
Reviewed September 26, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith