How to Stay Positive and Happy in Life

Posted on by Caroline

As the search for happiness continues “How to Stay Positive and Happy in Life” provides seven actionable steps to help you achieve the balance that you are looking for.

More often than not people find temporary happiness through external sources and then realise over time that something is missing. The only way that you can find true happiness is to turn your focus within.

That’s not to say that the things we do externally don’t provide us with pleasure and the feel good factor but ultimately happiness is an inside job and one that takes consistent action to create the lasting effect that many of us strive to achieve.

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External Sources of Happiness

There are many things we might enjoy that contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing but what you will find is that unless repeated constantly you are not able to maintain a level of happiness.

This could explain why many people look for happiness within alcohol, drugs and food. The release of endorphins provide temporary pleasure and better mood but this can lead to overeating, eating foods that have no nutritional benefit and long term habits that lead to addiction.

There has been a rise in modern day technology and this has created much material success but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness.

Let’s go back to basics

What helps us feel good in life is feeling understood and accepted. Knowing that we are not alone in how we feel makes us feel validated.

How to Stay Positive and Happy in Life

Celebrity Vicki Pattison has an excellent way of being able to articulate the things you really need to hear. I was pleasantly surprised at how relatable I found her book “The Secret to Happy”.

Vicky instinctively knows how to reach into your soul and give you a virtual hug when you need it most.  I would definitely recommend giving it a read.

A great self help book with a really kind and down to earth approach. It makes you feel better about life in general.

Check out Secret to Happy Book

I purchased the hard cover version but if you get tired when reading like I often do then maybe Audible would better suit you. It just gives you the opportunity to enjoy the content while fully resting with your eyes closed.

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Prefer to use an Audiobook Service?

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Find out about the different membership options are available whether you read a book a month or you are an avid bookworm.

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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

maslows-hierarchy-of-needs

There are many different perspectives on what leads to ultimate happiness. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory within Psychology.

This combines Physiological, Security & Safety, Social, Esteem and Self Actualisation. Once basic needs are met they then lead to higher level needs.

We will begin at basic needs (bottom of the pyramid) and work through levels 1-5.

What do our needs look like?

Physiological

Food, Water, Sleep and Medical Care. This involves having shelter and access to clothing and a liveable environment.

Security & Safety

This involves feeling safe from harm from family, strangers and occupational hazards. This relates to employment, resources and health.

Sense of Belonging & Love

Family, Communities, friends and significant other.

Esteem

Respect from others (stat us and recognition) Respect for Self (sense of confidence and competence).

Self Actualisation

This is the realisation of a person’s full potential. That person has become everything he/she is capable of becoming.

It definitely gives some food for thought with areas that you may want to look at developing. As you work through the list you can pinpoint which areas you may want to look into.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils are a great way to boost creativity and happiness. There are quite a few scents to choose from but for the purposes of getting a good nights sleep, feeling calm and helping eliminate negative energy Cedarwood is an excellent choice.

People use essential oils in different ways but a diffuser would be the best way to make the smell go further. Diffusers disperse the smell of the oils and you only need to use a few drops. Walking into a room and it smelling lovely and feeling relaxed is definitely underrated. Incense is known to heighten your senses. If you do happen to mediate it enhances the experience it can give you more motivation too. Each Scent has different properties.

Cedarwood Essential Oil – 100% Pure

Essential Oils for Diffusers for Home- Add a few drops to your favorite essential oil diffuser will create a lasting lovely smell, you can also mix oils to create your own smell.

Why not take a look

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Best Essential Oils to Evoke Happiness

Essential oils can positively influence mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Here are some of the best essential oils known for their mood-boosting properties:

Lavender

Lavender oil is renowned for its calming and relaxing effects. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of tranquility and emotional balance, which can contribute to feelings of happiness.

Bergamot

Bergamot oil has uplifting and mood-enhancing properties. Its citrusy aroma can help alleviate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress, while promoting relaxation and positivity.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang oil is often used to promote feelings of joy, relaxation, and emotional well-being. Its sweet, floral aroma can help uplift the mood and reduce feelings of tension and nervousness.

Lemon

Lemon oil has a bright and invigorating scent that can help uplift the mood and promote a sense of positivity and energy. It is often used to combat feelings of fatigue, stress, and low mood.

Sweet Orange

Sweet orange oil has a cheerful and uplifting aroma that can help boost mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It can promote feelings of joy, optimism, and emotional balance.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has energizing and refreshing properties that can help uplift the mood and increase mental alertness. Its invigorating scent can help combat feelings of fatigue and promote a sense of vitality and well-being.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile oil is known for its calming and soothing effects on the mind and body. It can help reduce feelings of anxiety, tension, and promote relaxation, which can contribute to feelings of happiness and peace.

    These essential oils can be used in various ways to promote happiness and well-being, including aromatherapy diffusion, topical application (when diluted with a carrier oil), or adding a few drops to a bath. Experiment with different oils and find the ones that resonate with you and uplift your mood the most.

    Aromatherapy Diffuser

    Diffusers are so easy to use. you just add a little water and a few drops of oil, plug in and watch the vapour disperse and the scent hit you. Making you feel woosah!

    Aromatherapy diffuser for essential oils

    Take a look here

    You can use them in any room. This particular one has seven different mood lighting colours that you can select with four different moods. It’s ultra quiet and looks great too.

    I have also included a link to a video so you can see it in action.

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    Happy Traits

    Happiness is a state of mind and if you have all of the following traits then you are already on the path towards happiness.
    It may just be that you need to develop capacity of the mind.

    • Good Natured 
    • Kind
    • Non judgemental of others
    • Respectful of others
    • Patient
    • Controlled actions
    • Compassion
    • Love
    • Wisdom
    • Inner Peace

    We are here to be the best person that we can be. This means that our thinking, talking and actions should above all else be meaningful. To be happy is to be free from suffering within the mind. Virtue (high moral standards) create happiness.

    How to Stay Positive & Happy In Life

    I’m sure there have been times in every persons life where they have lost patience, become angry or felt negative. It takes consistent actions to restore your positivity and happiness permanently.

    For permanent peace of mind you need to develop special wisdom.

    So let’s see what else we can do to help make this a reality.

    1. Being Good Natured With a Good Heart

    If you treat others how you wish to be treated and what you do comes from a good place, then when situations do arise that may be challenging you will better placed to deal with them. 

    Being good natured will also improve your communications and relationships with others which in turn will create happiness.  

    2.Meditation

    Spiritual practice helps you to gain mastery over the mind. As time goes on we can develop deeper levels of inner peace. We need to find a balance between the material and spiritual elements of life. In time we can learn to train the mind to eliminate anger, jealousy, attachment and ignorance. In doing so you will gain a calm and peaceful mind.

    White Noise Sleep Machine

    For anyone who struggles to get to sleep or suffers with anxiety and overthinking on a night time it’s worth also considering a white noise machine. There are 40 natural soothing sounds within this little machine, you pre-set them, select a timer and volume and it remembers your settings the next time you use it.

    Ideal for Adults, children and new born babies.

    It’s a truly unique experience. If you struggle switching off and like background noise the TV is not the best option as this can affect melanin production, reduce sleep time and cause overstimulation of the brain.

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    3.Change How You View Problems

    If instead we regard problems as a challenge or an opportunity for growth then we have already taken a negative and turned it into a positive. You are already on your way towards happiness. 

    4.Perform Gratitude

    By saying “Thank you” and sincerely meaning it when someone says or does something nice is one way to show appreciation. Additionally, when you receive a service or support from others, you might send them a card to acknowledge their efforts. Furthermore, you could listen to a friend’s concerns or give advice in order to help them feel better and supported.

    You might want to document each day three things that you are grateful for as this process creates a feeling of thankfulness which helps you to feel more positive.

    Law of Attraction Journal

    Manifestation and gratitude journals are the business. They help you to visualise what you want and work towards making it happen. They are a mini life planners that motivate you and help you manage stress. Being more aware of gratitude and practising this frequently makes you feel happier, improves relationships, communications and health.

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    Mindset is really important and if you want to feel happier or just lead a more fulfilled life then you are worth the investment as it’s your mental health and your life that can improve as a result.

    5. Take Ownership of How You Feel

    You are responsible for how you feel. Sometimes we experience situations and difficulties that are out of our control.

    Choosing to feel sad or angry for long periods of time and holding onto the pain only causes us more pain.

    We can choose to let go of the negativity anytime we want and it enables us to take our power back in any given situation.

    Recognise that a shift in mindset is needed and make it a priority.

    6. Let Go of Things That do Not Serve You

    A positive mindset cannot be achieved by living in the past or worrying about the future.

    Letting go helps to silence any painful or negative thoughts which then welcomes in healing, compassion and much more positive emotions.

    7. Don’t Rely on Other People to Make You Happy

    Too often we look to other people to provide happiness within our lives. When a situation arises and the person you rely upon is no longer there supporting you, the ability to cope is lessened.

    The expectation of happiness should always  come from within. If you develop a secure attachment style this will help you to achieve inner peace.

    Work on actively building up your self esteem, don’t entertain toxic relationships and find healthy ways of healing past negative experiences.

    How To Release Toxic Positivity

    Toxic positivity refers to the mindset of always maintaining a positive attitude and denying or invalidating any negative emotions or experiences. While positivity is generally seen as a good thing, toxic positivity can be harmful because it dismisses or ignores genuine feelings and struggles, leading to repression, guilt, and shame. Here are some ways to release toxic positivity:

    Acknowledge Your Feelings

    Recognize that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and frustration. Allow yourself to feel and express these emotions without judgment or criticism.

    Practice Self-Compassion

    Be kind and compassionate towards yourself, especially during difficult times. Treat yourself with the same understanding and empathy that you would offer to a friend who is struggling.

    Validate Others Feelings

    Listen to and validate the emotions of others without trying to dismiss or fix them. Offer support and empathy, and let them know that their feelings are valid and accepted.

    Challenge Unrealistic Expectations

    Question unrealistic expectations of constant positivity and happiness. Understand that it’s normal and healthy to experience a range of emotions, and that personal growth often involves facing and working through challenges.

    Cultivate Emotional Awareness

    Develop mindfulness and emotional awareness to become more attuned to your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Notice when you’re engaging in toxic positivity and make a conscious effort to shift towards a more balanced and authentic perspective.

    Practice Gratitude with Nuance

    While practicing gratitude can be beneficial, avoid using it as a way to bypass or invalidate negative emotions. Instead, acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of your life with honesty and authenticity.

    Seek Professional Support

    If toxic positivity has become ingrained in your mindset and is impacting your mental health and relationships, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you explore and address underlying issues and develop healthier coping strategies.

      By releasing toxic positivity and embracing a more balanced and authentic approach to emotions, you can cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.

      Self Realisation

      Happiness develops over time with regular learning and applying knowledge,  leading to better judgement. When we become insightful we realise that our happiness is independent of everything and everyone else. 

      I hope you found this article on “How to Stay Positive and happy in Life useful.

      If you focus on the person you want to become and take actions that align with the person you want to be you will find that by being your most authentic self you will create more happiness from within.