
8 Simple Ways To Be Happy
Puff-Sleeve Jumpsuit: Auguste The Label, also found here and here
Straw Bucket Bag: Amazon
Leather Sandals: Naturalizer
Gold Monogram Necklace: Anthropologie
With everything that has been going on with my life and especially with my health (you can read about my original post about having cancer here), I’ve gained perspective on what truly makes me feel happy and overall feel good about life. All these things about being happy are so simple. You don’t need to do a lot or spend a lot of money just to be happy.
I will say that all the things I’ve listed are based on my life experience. In no way do I claim to be an expert. So I completely understand if this might not be relatable. But I hope in some shape or form, it will help you figure out what simple ways in your life can make you feel happier.
8 Simple Ways To Be Happy
Dedicate Time For Yourself
In simple terms, this is self-care. You can’t help others if you haven’t helped yourself first. So do what you like to do. It can be as simple as having a whole day to yourself. I know, it might be difficult with having kids, but maybe put it on a calendar what day is “me time” so you can make an arrangement ahead of time.
Or perhaps it might not even be a whole day. It could be picking up a hobby you loved such as reading, creating an at-home spa night, or binge watching on shows or tv. You know yourself the best, so pick something that is for you only.
For me, I re-discovered my love of reading in the past year and half, or I make sure I dedicate time for my nighttime skincare routine.
Get Your Body Moving
Studies show there are many benefits to exercising. Even on days when I don’t feel like working out, I push myself even for a 15 minute workout. At the end of it, I’m so glad I did it. I feel good about myself, I am more energized, and physically feel stronger. For me, they definitely helped with my cancer side effects.
You don’t have to follow an intense workout routine or regime. It can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood. When I go for my walks, I walk through different parts of Chicago. Not only does the body movement and fresh air help, but I discover new spots too!
Indulge From Time To Time
Are you someone who has to stick to a budget? Or has to eat healthy meals all the time? Or maybe don’t want to break your daily routine? It’s totally okay to break those cycles or spend money, in moderation of course.
Go ahead and buy yourself that cashmere sweater (btw in my opinion, they really are worth it. I only own two and that’s all you need!). Or go ahead and eat 3 slices of Chicago deep-dish pizza with extra buttery crust. We all need these little luxuries in our life from time to time.
Work Is Not Your Life
I do understand the value of working. If I’m being honest, one of the primary reasons is it is able to provide for my family. But sometimes work can consume your life. In my previous corporate job, I was working around 70 hours a week and yes, part of that was during chemo too. It wasn’t until I had a co-worker that unexpectedly passed away that it hit me hard. My co-worker was young, healthy, and fit and suddenly passed away. And it breaks my heart to learn that work stressed that person out too much.
That’s when it hit me. I don’t want my last thoughts to be about work. At the end of the day, my work is a business. It’s not meant to take care of me. Also, with me still going through cancer, the thought of death is highly prevalent in my head. And I knew right then I had to make an executive decision. I wanted to spend more time with my family, friends, and husband. I want to be happy and see if there is more to life than this job.
Spend Time With Family and Friends
I’m guilty of not spending enough time with family and friends, especially when I had that previous corporate job. My family and friends are the ones that are there for me no matter what, and I want to show my love and appreciation by being with them. Plus, they’re fun to be around! Time is something we can’t get back and we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.
Eliminate Toxic Relationships
This is so important. Eliminate anyone (or it could be anything) that has a negative impact on your life. I learned this in college. I felt so stressed about being around certain friends, where I eventually cut people out. Let me tell you, it feels so good! I no longer had to put a fake smile on when I saw them. I’m so much happier, and in the long term I know who my true friends are.
So yes, get rid of the drama or stressor. While there are a lot of things in life that are out of our control, there are some things we can control. And to me, getting rid of bad relationships is in our control. I know it can be difficult and you might be sad. But that’s short term. Like I said earlier, you feel happier long term.
De-Clutter & Organize
Have you ever walked into a space and just feel so zen and relaxed? Think about that space. Is there clutter? Is that space unorganized? I bet you it is clutter-free and very organized.
For me, de-cluttering and organizing has helped me feel so at ease. My husband and I try to de-clutter and organize our home. So when we come home at the end of the day, we feel relaxed. Clutter to me just stresses me out.
To make it easier, start small. You don’t need to do this all at once. For instance, since we are all working from home, start with your workspace. You’ll notice how much more productive you are. I always try at the end of the day to organize my desk so it is ready for me the next morning. Once you completed your workspace, then move on to another spot in your home that you like to spend most of your time.
Disengage From Social Media
This is another favorite tip of mine. Social media is not your life. While I do think there are benefits to social media, there are just as many downsides to it too. More recently, I’ve been off of Instagram and I feel amazing! I’m more focused on what’s going on in my real life, and just go on Instagram when I feel like it. Sometimes I forget social media exists and I’m off it for a week.
This post ended up a lot longer than I anticipated. But I hope these 8 simple ways to be happy are able to help you out! Do you have any additional tips to add to this?
xo RD
This post is so needed. Thank you. I need to Disengage from social media more often.
You’re welcome Regine! I’m glad I can help!
Happiness is contagious and I think that this post is absolutely perfect, thank you for sharing these thoughtful tips!
xoxo Sarah
Thank you Sarah!
Such a sweet post! And I love the outfit!
Briana
https://b-wear.org/
Thank you Briana!
Great tips.
Thank you Hena!
Love your jumpsuit !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2020/09/beach-tote-bags-in-city.html#more
Thank you Diane!
These are all such great tips! Self care and family and friends are two big things for me.
I totally agree Greta!
Love all your tips! I particularly have to exercise regularly or else I start getting anxious. It is indeed underrated how exercising can keep you sane.
Same girl!
These are such a great tips and I agree with you. Also your outfit is very beautiful. You look gorgeous.
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Thank you so much!
I feel like more people can afford to heed this advice (myself included!)….so many great tips. Thanks for sharing! xoxo, Sarah
Thank you Sarah!
YES to all theses tips to feel happier.
Just like you sometimes I love to be away from instagram. A break always feel good.
And I love your outfit here. This purple print is adorable.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thank you Margot! So glad you agree!
This post is so helpful! It’s such a difficult time right now.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
It sure is!
Awesome tips and I adore your look ❤
Thank you Kinga!
These are fantastic tips! A few weekends ago, my husband and I decided to do a screen detox day, and we went from when we woke up until when we went to sleep without looking at a single screen. No GPS in the car, I had to write down a recipe I wanted to make, etc. And lemme tell you, I haven’t been that happy in AGES. We drove to the grounds of our favorite art museum, and sat outside with yummy snacks and good books for hours. It was fantastic! We decided to do it once a month!
Isn’t it great?! So refreshing to detox!
These are such great tips! All of them are super important, especially the revelation about not working all the time. 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank you Lizzie!
Thank you for these great tips! I agree that self-care is really important. There is so much self-reassurance and confidence in your smile. Love your outfit by the way!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
You’re welcome Lovely!
Aw, I absolutely love this post!! Taking care of ourselves is so important especially during times like these. I feel like a lot of us have lost focus on ourselves and that needs to change!
Thank you so much Ashley!
As usual, I love your outlook, Rach! This is a really helpful + easy guide. You break it down so well!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you so much Ashley!
I could not agree more! These simple ways to be happy are really amazing and we all need to take these steps in order to be happy. BTW this jumpsuit looks amazing on you love!
Lovely Post!
Allurerage
Thetrendybride
Thank you Jiya!
This looks so fun! Love your outfits, so cute on you!
I love your smile too!
Thanks for sharing
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Fashion Stylist ― https://happyesme.com/
Thank you!
I’m quite organized with my work and life, but not with my environment… and I’m trying to fix that now that I’ve just moved. Hopefully I’ll be able to do so!
I didn’t know you had cancer… I’m really happy you have surpassed that and made you a stronger person.
Thanks for the tips: super simple but so easy to forget!
xx
Eli | Curly Style
Organization definitely makes a difference! And yea cancer is something I have been going through for the past 4 years.
My Mom always encourages me to indulge when I’m feeling down … and if its not done all the time it really helps lift your mood! These are great tips!
Thanks Caitlin!
These are great tips and reminders. I’ve started decluttering and organizing during quarantine and it’s amazing how much happier I feel in these spaces. I also need to get moving more and keep up a regular exercise routine. Thanks for sharing this helpful list!
xoxo,
Lisa
http://www.occasionallyluxe.com
You’re welcome Lisa!
All great tips!! And every time I feel a cashmere sweater I think to myself I need to buy one at some point… maybe this will be the year!
Thank you Kristina!