How to Be Happy | 10 Tips to Find Happiness | Cigna

While you can’t prevent many of the difficulties that you’ll encounter in life, you can control how you respond to them. You’ll be more content once you begin to see happiness as a choice rather than as a good fortune that only some people enjoy.

Even during the most difficult life experiences, there are often things to be grateful for. Acknowledging what is good in your life is an essential step in learning how to live a happy life.

Anger toward yourself, toward things that have happened in your life, or, anger toward other people can be a significant burden. When you can let go of anger, you may begin learning how to be happy with yourself.

Become aware of the role your thoughts play in the quality of your daily life. Focusing on bad things and negative emotions can be destructive. You can learn to be happier when you stop dwelling on the negative and focus on the more positive side of things.

Feeling included in a community of friends can be important part of living a happier life. Without the love and fellowship of friends, loneliness may become a factor that can detract from your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

Getting the right amount of sleep is important for feeling refreshed and focused. But losing sleep can also impact your mood. You can help your quality of life by practicing good sleep habits and getting plenty of uninterrupted rest.

Exercise stimulates your blood flow, which can help you feel better. While some people enjoy very intense exercise—and the endorphins it can generate—even a small amount of movement is beneficial and can help improve mood, lessen stress, and improve sleep.

Sunshine typically makes people feel happier. Take advantage of sunny days by getting outside—but don’t forget the sunscreen. If your environment is often without sun, lamps that are specially designed to mimic sunlight may be an option. If you are affected by dreary weather or the wet, wintry seasons, talk to your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing for help choosing the right sunscreen for you.

Keeping your work and home spaces clean and free of clutter may help lift your mood. For example, some people are happier when they rearrange furniture and spend a day cleaning out a closet. If you’re feeling crowded in your space, try a little cleaning and organizing to see if that boosts your happiness.

Part of learning how to be happy with yourself comes with life experiences. Try to set and work toward achieving some goals. Start small. Find a goal or two that are relatively easy to accomplish. Have a plan in place for how you will achieve them. Achieving goals can help boost your confidence, and with it, your sense of happiness, too.

Finding happiness is different for everyone. Try making a few small changes a day that help you feel better when you do them. Over time they become good habits that can lead to a happier—and healthier—you.