What makes you truly happy? Is it wealth, success, or something deeper? Aristotle defined happiness as a balance between hedonia (pleasure) and eudaemonia (a life well lived). The concept of happiness is difficult to quantify and measure; however, the field of science has revealed some interesting insights into what makes us truly happy. 

Prioritising Your Mental Health

Is it possible to be happy without taking care of your mental health? The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies regarding happiness, has shown that having good mental health is one of the strongest predictors of happiness. Think of it like this: a person who is experiencing depression or anxiety would be happy. Prioritising your mental health is one of the essential keys to unlocking your happiness. Sometimes we have a lot going on in our lives that we forget to prioritise ourselves: bills to pay, kids to look after, school, exams, studies, and jobs. This list keeps getting longer as we grow, so where are you on that list? When was the last time you prioritised yourself? Here are some science-based tips to help you manage your mental health, which you can implement today!

Tip 1: Reaching out: Seek professional help, or speak to someone you're comfortable with; there is no shame or weakness in asking for help. Reach out to us at Heart It Out, where we can give you the support you need and, most importantly, deserve! Get in touch with us for a Free Consultation!

Tip 2: Physical exercise: 30 minutes of daily exercise, ranging from lifting weights, walking, and cycling, 3-4 days a week, can help boost your mental health. There are studies to show that in some cases, exercise is proven to be just as effective as antidepressants. 

Tip 3: Meditation: Close your eyes, take a deep breath in right now, and exhale for 6 seconds. How do you feel? 5-10 minutes of breathing practice can help your mind relax during overwhelming times. 

Photo by  Dan Meyers Team  on  Unsplash

Power Of Connections

Recall a conversation that you had with a close friend of yours or a family member. Didn't that feel good? In the Harvard study of adult development, the second strongest predictor of happiness is strong relationships. The stronger the bond, the deeper the connection. So here are several tips that can help you build strong connections. 

Tip 1: Figuring out your values: As human beings, we all share some common values, but some values resonate much more closely than the rest. Once you know that, you'll most likely develop a connection with someone who values the same things as you. Here's a list that will help you with that: Value List.

Tip 2: Re-building connections: Sometimes in our lives, we forget to reconnect with people who are right in front of us, like our family members, so try and have a fruitful conversation with them over a cup of tea or coffee; it'll remind you of those who are there to support you. 

Tip 3: Quality over quantity: You can have fun with a lot of people, but can you cry with a lot of people? Quality over quantity is always when it comes to connections. All it takes is one person for you to confide in, to give you the support and love that you deserve.

Photo by  Chang Duong Team  on  Unsplash

“Having that one person you can have any conversation with, can be the difference between an end and a beginning. ”
- Jetha Devapura (founder of 1333, suicide prevention hotline in Sri Lanka)

Purpose: Finding Meaning In Our life 

What makes you tick? Get up in the morning. That’s quite a loaded question, isn’t it?  Finding meaning in our lives is crucial to boosting happiness, because when we find purpose and meaning, we gain direction. It’s like a compass guiding us with our priorities, decisions, and actions. Purpose gives you a psychological anchor and mental resilience, which is essential in building happiness because when you know “why” you’re doing something, the how can be easier to endure. 

“He who has a WHY to live can bear almost any HOW”
- Viktor Frankl (Austrian Neurologist, psychologist, holocaust survivor and author of the famous book "man's search for meaning"

However, finding one’s purpose can be difficult but here are some ways that can help you find your purpose. 

1. Your purpose changes: Understanding this is crucial because what you find meaning in can change as you progress in life. For example, what you liked when you were 10 years old is different from what you like when you’re 20 years old. 

2. Figuring out your values: Understanding your values can help you figure out what you value in life. For instance, If you value compassion, then you might have a rough idea as to what kind of career or business you’d want to get involved in. Here's a list that will help you out: Value List

3. Spending time with yourself: Deep questions require deep thought. Sometimes answers to questions like “What’s your purpose?” can only be found within, so try and spend some quiet time with yourself and a journal to write your thoughts down. This will help you organise your thoughts because what you write down has to make sense. 

Photo by  Jamie Street Team  on  Unsplash

Happiness isn't found, it's built. Prioritising our mental health gives us resilience, discovering purpose gives us meaning, and a strong connection gives us the support to thrive. Happiness comes from living each day with intentions that nourish our mind and body. Happiness isn't a destination but a journey, one powerful choice at a time. 

Looking for clarity and guidance? We’ve got you!  Seeking professional help is the first step toward a fulfilling life—reach out to us for a FREE consultation today!