Living Your Life To The Fullest: Mental Health Choices For The Happiest YOU

Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina: Pexels

Ever feel like you’re stumbling through life with a blindfold on, trying to find your way back to happiness? You’re not alone. Life has this knack for throwing curveballs that can make us feel a bit lost or disconnected from our joyous selves. But guess what? There’s hope, which comes with making some pretty awesome choices that can lead us back to feeling content and fulfilled.

Understanding Happiness

First things first, happiness isn’t just about those laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more like a cozy blanket that wraps you up in a sense of well-being, where you find meaning in what you do, play to your strengths, and soak up the joys of the present. But let’s be real, the daily grind, stress, and life’s unexpected twists can sometimes make that blanket feel a bit out of reach.

The Power Of Choice

Here’s a little secret: we have the power to choose our path every single day. It’s like being at a crossroads, where one path leads to actions and decisions that resonate with our deepest desires, and the other, well, not so much. Choosing the path that aligns with our true selves is the first step toward creating the life we dream of.

Now, let’s take a look at some helpful tips to boost your happiness meter, shall we?

Digital Detox In Nature

Picture this: You, nature, and absolutely no digital beeps or boops. When did you let yourself just be without scrolling through your phone? Venturing into the great outdoors and allowing ourselves a break from our gadgets can profoundly rejuvenate our spirits. The symphony of nature, from the chirping of birds to the rustle of leaves, holds a fascination far beyond the constant buzz of social media.

 Imagine missing the profound silence of a forest, the sound of a tree falling, because our attention was tethered to a screen. That’s a moment of real life passing us by. So, why not embrace the opportunity to reconnect with the world around us? Let’s take a deep breath of that crisp, unpolluted air and for once, listen intently to the thoughts swirling in our own minds.

Practice “Opposite Action”

Ever feel like doing absolutely nothing but know deep down you probably should do something? Welcome to the club. This is where “opposite action” comes into play. It’s a fancy term for basically doing the exact opposite of what your moody mood is telling you to do. Feel like canceling on friends? Nope, you’re going. Too lazy to leave the bed? Guess what, you’re going for a walk. It’s like tricking your brain into being happier. And the crazy part? It actually works. Suddenly, you’re not just stuck in your head; you’re out there, making memories and probably having a much better time than you thought you would.

Via Pexels

Create A Personal Ritual

Now, let’s get a little mystical. I’m talking about personal rituals. No, you don’t need candles and chanting. This is about creating little ceremonies for yourself that make everyday moments feel special. It could be as simple as a morning stretch to greet the day or a cup of tea at sunset to enjoy the world’s beauty winding down. These rituals become your private celebrations, your way of saying, “Hey, I’m doing just fine.” They’re little anchors that keep you grounded and remind you of the beauty in routine.

Explore Your “Shadow Self”

Okay, things are about to get a bit deep. We’re diving into the concept of the “shadow self.” It sounds like a supervillain, but it’s just the parts of ourselves we don’t usually like to face. Knowing and accepting these aspects can be a game-changer for your personal growth. Think of it as becoming friends with the parts of yourself you usually keep hidden. It’s not about changing who you are but understanding and embracing the full spectrum of your being. And honestly, it’s pretty liberating to realize that your quirks and so-called “flaws” are what make you, well, you.

Engage In Sensory Exploration

Now, let’s get really hands-on. We’re talking about a sensory exploration adventure. Never stop to think about how amazing it is to experience the world through taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight. It’s easy to take these for a living, breathing, sensing being in this wild world. Challenge yourself to explore each sense in a new way. Chew on some new flavors, listen to music genres you’ve never considered, or sniff out scents that aren’t just your laundry detergent. It’s all about waking up those senses and, by extension, awakening parts of you that you didn’t even know were static. 

Initiate “Kindness Ambushes”

Imagine setting up “kindness ambushes” for people in your life. It’s like being a fairy godmother, in a way. Plan specific acts of kindness tailored to the people around you. Maybe it’s leaving a surprise care package for a friend or paying for the next person’s coffee in line. The secret planning and the look on their faces when you surprise them? Priceless. Plus, this whole operation adds a sprinkle of excitement to your day, knowing you’re about to make someone’s day a little brighter.

Embark On A “Fail Forward” Challenge

Alright, the “Fail Forward” challenge. It sounds scary, but it’s about embracing failure as a part of growth. Set yourself up to try new things with the expectation that you might totally flop. And that’s okay! The goal is to learn from these flops and keep moving forward. It’s about building resilience and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. So, go ahead, sign up for that pottery class, start a blog, or even try to find workout classes where you might be the most uncoordinated person there. It’s all good because every misstep is just a step toward being a more awesome you.

Shake Up Your Happiness Journey

So there you have it, a guide to shaking up your happiness journey with some unconventional wisdom. Remember, happiness isn’t a destination—it’s the funky, scenic routes we take, the detours, and, yes, even the potholes we hit along the way.