There’s no single recipe for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. If you ask people how to live a happier life, they’ll all have different answers to this question.
And it’s true. There’s no single rule of thumb for turning your life around. Some people are content with what little they have, while others have big dreams and ambitions to feel happy.
But there’s one constant thing: chaos. Life follows the rules of entropy. Order from the chaos. So if your life feels more chaotic and less happy, you’re not alone. It might just as well be a sign for you to take charge.
We have compiled this extensive guide to help you live an uncluttered life. Click here to treat yourself to a relaxing Asian massage session before you learn bits about living a happier life.
Go Out in Nature
Nothing good comes of being lethargic all day long. Your sedentary life may be your worst enemy. Walk in nature to improve your mood. Spending time outdoors surrounded by soothing greens can instantly elevate your mood.
We’re so used to waiting for motivation to come that we don’t realize action is a prerequisite to motivation. You have to take that first step for motivation, not the other way around.
Do yourself a favor and go out; you’ll feel the difference in your mood. Nature has that soothing effect on our minds and body. All the world’s worries seem to vanish in thin air, and that sense of joy is indescribable.
Start small. Try a 10-minute walk and then extend it to 20 minutes. Breathing fresh air every day is extremely necessary for your health, especially in today’s day and age. The hustle culture with little me-time can take a toll on your life. We’re conditioned to associate busyness with success which isn’t true.
Walking in nature can prepare you for the next day, month, and year. It’s also a perfect way to take a break.
Act of Smiling
It seems silly on paper but practicing the art of smiling has a genuinely positive impact on your mood.
There’s no need to fake smiles, though. One way to inspire genuine smiles is by finding joy in the little things in life. The smell of a freshly brewed cup of Joe, the night sky, flowers, your relationship with friends and family or a beautiful bright sunny day – anything can make you smile if only you’re open to embracing it.
Our busy schedules make us overlook these trivial joys in life. You’ll have to actively shift your focus on little things that are a source of comfort for you. This will eventually put up an upward curve on your lips even if you’re used to thinking pessimist thoughts.
Practice Gratitude
Social media has increased connectivity but also fuels unnecessary comparisons among people. You open your social media newsfeed, and BAM! Someone’s getting married, someone finished their Ph.D., others are posting about winning awards, and you wonder, “Am I falling behind?”
When you have these thoughts, learn to take a break. Don’t fall into this vicious loop of comparison based on what people put on social media for you to see. Comparison will make you overlook all the great things and people you have in your life.
It’s common not to have a shred of gratitude on some days, but you should take time out every day to appreciate something or someone in your life. If you want to be more proactive, write something you’re grateful for on a notepad. It can be something as simple as a sunny day or a cup of tea.
This conscious act of gratitude will create a system that boosts positive emotions. It’ll remind you of all the great things you take for granted.
Make Memories
It’s tempting to focus all your energy and time on reaching your goals. We think we have time. What if you’re successful, but your loved ones aren’t there?
Don’t put off spending time with your loved ones until it’s too late. Make time for your loved ones and cherish the time you spend with them. Spending time with a friend or family member also positively impacts health.
Prioritizing time with someone close is a great way to pause and find joy in someone else’s company. We’re social creatures for a reason. Sharing feelings, dreams, and stories is what fulfils us in the end.
Being a recluse all the time can lead you to dark phases, but spending time with your loved ones can be the light at the end of the tunnel.
Exercise Daily
Physical activity is important for a happy, healthy life. Regular exercise doesn’t only tone your muscles. It also reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and symptoms of depression and boosts happiness and self-esteem.
A moderate workout routine makes a world of difference. You don’t have to try intensive exercises or overexert yourself to feel happy. You can try the following exercises:
- Join a beginner’s tai chi or yoga class.
- Take a walk outside after dinner.
- Stretch in the morning for a good start to the day.
You can also try other fun activities such as dancing, golfing or bowling.
Asian Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is hands-down an effective way to pull a stop. Say goodbye to all the worries and tensions of the world when you’re at a massage table. It’s a great way to regain energy, relieve stress and improve mental health.
Regular massage sessions are especially vital for people working in high-stress jobs. Our body reacts positively to massage therapy. An Asian massage therapy session based on authentic ancient techniques has therapeutic effects on the mind, body and soul.
Asian massage therapists focus on qi – a vital force of life – to stimulate energy flow and create balance. Studies confirm the positive impact of massage on quality of life and reducing stress.
Recommended Read: 14 Health-Related Issues to Manage with Massage Therapy
If you cannot take time out from your busy schedule, you can schedule an outcall massage with Asian Massage 2 Hotels instead.
Don’t Compromise on Sleep
Although the amount of sleep a person needs may vary, most adults need seven hours of sleep. If you’re fighting a brain fog or feel the need to nap during the day, it’s your body’s way of telling you to rest.
Sleep is vital for emotional well-being, good health and brain function. Getting adequate sleep will reduce your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. The following tips can help you sleep better:
- Figure out the number of hours you sleep every night. Do you feel rested after that? Keep track of your sleep pattern for a week, and you’ll better know how well you’re doing. Alternatively, you can also try the sleep-tracking app.
- Practice going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including on weekends.
- Spend a quiet hour before hitting the bed. Read, do something relaxing or take a bath. Avoid heavy drinking or eating.
- Turn off the lights in your room. Keep your room quiet and cool to create an air of calmness around.
- Invest in quality bedding.
- If you must, limit your nap to 20 minutes a day.
You should consult a doctor if your sleeping problems don’t resolve even after trying these tips. It may be a sign of a sleeping disorder such as insomnia.
Eat with Mood
We are what you eat. Our food choices impact our mental and physical states. Here’s how different types of food affect our mood:
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are known as serotonin releasers. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that stimulates feelings of happiness. Carbs are high in starch and sugar, giving a sudden surge of energy.
You should keep your carb intake simple and minimum because that surge of energy is short-lived, making you crash eventually. Consume complex carbs such as whole grains, vegetables and beans to release serotonin without crashing.
Processed Food
Processed food, such as deep-fried food, makes you feel full and down. Consuming a large amount of fast food can alter sugar levels, leading to lethargy and fatigue. It’s often a cause of depressed mood.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish. It has an anti-inflammatory impact on the body. Omega-3 also extends brain health. If seafood isn’t your cup of tea, you can talk to the doctor for alternative supplements.
Lean Meat, Dairy, Legumes and Poultry
All of these foods are protein-rich. Foods that are high in protein release norepinephrine and dopamine. These hormones boost concentration and energy.
If you want to practice eating food with mood, start your diet plan for every day for each mood. For instance, replace big breakfast pastries with Greek yogurt and fruit. The protein in these foods will prevent mid-morning energy crashes, and you’ll satiate your sweet tooth. Add a new food swap every week for better results.
Breathing Exercises
Do you know how much tension we carry in our bodies? Unclench your jaws. Loosen your shoulders and unravel those lines on your forehead. Take a long breath to calm down.
Studies confirm that deep and slow breathing exercises reduce stress. So the next time you’re tensed, follow these steps:
- Close your eyes and think of a happy place or a memory.
- Take slow but deep breaths in and out through your nose.
- Repeat several times until you feel your nerves have calmed down.
Count to 5 with each inhale and exhale if you struggle to take deliberate breaths.
Acknowledge Sadness
A positive attitude doesn’t mean overlooking sadness. Sadness is part of life; every healthy and functional adult goes through different emotions and phases.
Don’t pretend you’re happy when you make a mistake or receive bad news. It’s equally important to acknowledge the lows in your life. Experience every emotion and shift your attention to how you can make it better.
Would talking to someone help? Or maybe a long walk out in nature will ease your mind. Take care of yourself, and remember that not everyone’s happy all the time.
Journal Your Thoughts
Journaling is an excellent way to assess your feelings, make plans and organize your thoughts. You don’t need to be a better writer or a literary genius to do that.
Your journal can be a simple notepad where you jot down your thoughts. It helps put things into perspective. Once your thoughts make it to the page, you can learn to take stock of your feelings.
Face Stress
A little stress in life is common. You can’t avoid life stressors all the time. Instead, learn to take the stress head-on.
Change your attitude toward stress-causing stimuli. One way to change your attitude is to stop self-blame. Don’t think it’s on you. Address the stressor by putting in extra work or initiating hard conversations.
The sooner you address these stressors, the better you’ll feel in the pit of your stomach.
Pick These Weekly Habits
Besides the aforementioned tips, you should also pick on these weekly habits to make your life happier and better:
- Declutter every week by reserving 20 minutes to tidy up one area in your house. It can be your closet, drawer or kitchen cabinets.
- Meet your friends. Research shows socialization boosts happiness. Plan a hangout if you miss your partner, family member, or friends.
- Take a hiatus from social media. Ditch your smartphone to unwind. Excessive use of the phone can have a serious emotional and cognitive impact.
Book Full Body Massage in Las Vegas
You can’t get your life back on track overnight, but you can take smaller steps. Plan me-time with us!
At Asian Massage 2 Hotels, we offer outcall massage services to hotel rooms. We’re an Asian outcall massage service specializing in authentic Chinese massage techniques. Our team includes exceptionally-trained therapists from six Asian countries – China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.
We offer full body massage, Japanese Nuru massage, 2 and 4-hands massage, deep tissue massage and more. Book our 24 hours massage, and we’ll bring luxury Asian massage and masseuse to your hotel room.
