Wondering how to be happy? Or how to live a happy life as a mom? In this article, I’m going to share my 5 secret tips to live a happier life. These are the tips that helped me prioritize myself, my happiness, and self-care over everything else.
I used to be VERY unhappy, feeling like I was just going through the motions.
For years—maybe even decades—I put everyone else’s needs before my own, thinking that was just what you did as a mom, a wife, a daughter. Honestly, I didn’t know many people around me who seemed truly happy either, so I thought this was just… life.
Being a mother, especially, brought this into sharper focus. I kept hearing, “Your family comes first,” which quickly translated into “Your wants don’t matter.” And so, I tolerated things that hurt me, from family dynamics to friends who took more than they gave. I ignored my own needs, pushed aside any dreams I had, and kept going, thinking I was doing what was right.
But then, I hit a wall. I reached a point where the weight of it all became too much, and I knew something had to change. That’s when I realized: My joy matters too!!!
This epiphany didn’t fix things overnight, but it started me on a journey to rediscovering myself. It wasn’t easy, but I began setting boundaries, exploring my own dreams, and allowing myself to believe I deserved happiness.
Looking back now, it feels like a different life. I learned so much about myself along the way, and I finally feel like I’m living in a way that honors me. Here are five things that truly helped me build a happier, more fulfilling life. If you’re in that place too, I hope these tips to live a happier life can make a difference for you, just like they did for me.
My 5 Secret Tips to Live a Happier Life
1. Prioritize Self-Care
One of the biggest shifts I made that made me happier daily was prioritizing self-care. As mothers, we often hear that our needs come last. But I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I couldn’t effectively take care of my family.
Here’s how I did it:
- Setting Boundaries: I started saying no to things that drained me. Whether it was declining invitations to events I didn’t want to attend or limiting time with toxic family members, setting boundaries is something that helped me big times. It gave my mind rest and confidence that I COME FIRST.
- Schedule “Me Time”: I carved out time each day just for myself, and you might want to have a look at my productive 5am morning routine that frees me ample “Me” time. Your ‘Me’ time could be a quiet morning coffee, a walk in the park, or simply sitting down with a good book.
- Pamper Yourself: Regular pampering, like spa days or even a hot bath at home, helped me feel rejuvenated and valued. My self-care routine includes morning meditation, a short yoga session, and a skincare regimen that makes me feel pampered. These small acts remind me that I am important and deserve care.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive People
If you’re wondering how can I be happy when among other people, then follow this simple rule: sit with positive people.
When searching for tips for happiness in daily life, I came across this advice of being surrounded by positive, like-minded people, and practicing this changed my life big times. I realized that the company I kept had a profound impact on my happiness.
Here’s what I did:
- Evaluating Relationships: I took a hard look at my relationships and identified which ones were toxic. Slowly, I started distancing myself from those negative influences.
- Find Your Tribe: I sought out people who shared my values and uplifted me. This included joining local groups, attending workshops, and reconnecting with old friends who brought joy into my life.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Instead of surface-level chats, I started having deeper, more meaningful conversations. This not only strengthened my relationships but also added depth to my life.
Spending time with positive individuals has been transformative, and it is one of my top-recommended tips to live a happier life. Their encouragement and support have boosted my confidence and made me feel more optimistic about life.
3. Educate Yourself
Education has been a powerful tool in my journey to being happy. Learning new things keeps my mind active and engaged.
Here’s how I incorporated education into my life and why it’s one of the best tips to live a happier life:
- Read Books: I started reading self-help books, biographies, and novels that inspired me. Some of my favorites include “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
- Attend Workshops: I attended workshops and seminars on topics that interested me. These not only provided valuable knowledge but also helped me connect with like-minded individuals.
- Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a plethora of courses. I took classes on mindfulness, personal development, and even some fun hobbies like cooking and photography.
Lifelong learning has given me a sense of purpose and direction. It’s exciting to constantly discover new interests and skills that enrich my life.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity has been a game-changer in my journey to a happier life. But let me clarify—this doesn’t mean doing house chores like cleaning that feel more like obligations than real self-care. If you don’t genuinely enjoy them, those tasks can drain your energy and add to your stress rather than reduce it.
Instead, I found ways to move my body that actually bring me joy and help clear my mind. Exercise, like a refreshing walk, a dance class, or gentle yoga, has boosted both my physical and mental well-being, and it’s become something I look forward to rather than just another “to-do” on my list.
Here’s how I made it work for me:
- Finding an Activity I Loved: Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or hiking, find an activity you genuinely enjoy. For me, it’s a mix of yoga and running.
- Creating a Routine: I set a regular exercise schedule and stuck to it. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of physical activity.
- Making it Social: I joined a local running club and started attending group yoga sessions. This added a social element to my workouts, making them more enjoyable.
Regular exercise has helped me manage stress, improve my mood, and boost my energy levels. It’s a vital part of my self-care routine that I look forward to every day.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness and gratitude have been game-changers in my pursuit of happiness. They taught me to live in the moment and appreciate what I have.
Here’s how I practice them:
- Daily Meditation: I start each day with a short meditation session. This helps me center myself and approach the day with a calm and focused mind.
- Gratitude Journal: Every morning, I write down three things I’m grateful for. This simple practice has shifted my focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in my life.
- Mindful Activities: Whether it’s eating, walking, or even doing household chores, I try to be fully present in the moment. This mindfulness helps me savor life’s simple pleasures.
Practicing gratitude has made me more aware of the positives in my life. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong, but focusing on what’s going right has significantly boosted my happiness. I now keep a journal beside my nightstand so I can write 5 things that brought me joy.
Start Your Journey to a Happier Life
My journey to a happier life has been transformative. I can’t describe how much it has impacted my life in such a positive way. From prioritizing self-care to surrounding myself with positive people, educating myself, engaging in physical activity, and practicing mindfulness and gratitude, I’ve discovered that my joy matters. I’ve learned to value myself and my needs, and that has made all the difference.
If you’re feeling unhappy or stuck, remember that YOU have the power to change your life. Start with small steps, be patient with yourself, and prioritize your well-being. You deserve to be happy, and with these tips to live a happier life, you can begin your journey to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
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