11 Activities Blocking Your Happiness

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Halloo,

We all know that to be happy we have to make conscious decisions and efforts, I hope you agree with me on this.

We have all been there, we have experienced it one way or another. A situation where we coveted something desperately, thinking that once we have that thing the world will be a perfect place for us. Then we get this thing and we are not better off as expected, even worse is the sense of disappointment that comes from having that particular thing. It is nothing new.

For me material things are not worth much, they may give momentary happiness and that is it. The best way to give ourselves a sense of happiness is to treat ourselves and others with compassion.

Most of us want to be happy but we don’t do things that can give us this happiness instead we chase things that will prevent or damage our happiness further.

If you truly desire happiness and want a positive life, here are simple things you can avoid daily:

1- Not smiling

Not smiling affects mood negatively. According to science, the act of smiling has the power to lower stress levels, improve mood positively, boost the immune system, and even prolong life. I have no idea why you are still not smiling.

Smiling also makes one look attractive, approachable, and friendly. I find that my smiling makes other people smile too. Isn’t that a good way to generate happiness?

2- Not eating well

Believe it or not but your diet can affect your happiness. Not eating well is a happiness blocker and a killer.

Eating a healthy diet, especially with foods that can increase serotonin levels will improve your mood. The improved mood will reduce stress and increase your chances of happiness. Make sure to eat salmon, nuts, turkey, pineapple, tofu, cheese, and eggs.

3- Underestimating the power of mind-body link

Most of us greatly underestimate the power of the mind-body link. We hide our problems from others, secretly coping and damaging our mental health further than necessary. Little do many of us realize that hiding any parts of us will affect our emotional and mental health. Hiding has the ability to hold us back and make us feel small.

The decision to speak up and speak out is liberating and generates happiness. Immediately you stop hiding, it’s an acceptance of who you are, and happiness starts. Nobody needs to feel caged in, it makes one feel small.

The energy dedicated to hiding could have been used in healing. Feeling that you have to hide is damaging. Who is without flaws? Stop holding back, especially to make others comfortable.

4- Not speaking out

No matter how conservative you think you are, no matter how well behaved you think you are, if anything were to happen right now you will still find people that are going to blame you or judge you. So do what is right for you!!!

You are blocking your happiness by not speaking out and speaking up. Stop hiding your situation, speak out, and speak up. Be honest about what you are going through. Let those around you know your situation. It is up to them to give you the support they are willing or comfortable to give you. Let those who want to ignore, do so. Just speak your truth.

Your speaking out might even free someone struggling too.

Sometimes I blame myself for some things, I feel like if I had come clean and explain my situation maybe some people won’t behave the way they are doing. If you speak out and the person still behaves badly you know that you are not to blame. We judge ourselves too harshly sometimes.

5- Not helping others

Have you noticed how happy you feel when you give money or some of your valuable possessions away to others? It is satisfying. If you have not tried it please do so.

Hoarding your things may make you rich but it won’t beat the feeling of happiness you get from contributing to another person’s wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, even a meal to someone starving with no likelihood of getting food is huge and gives immense happiness to you and to the recipient.

Let me quickly point out that I am not talking about the charity work you do with photoshoots. I am talking about random acts of kindness. Those acts that you are not obligated to do but you do it anyway. They are huge happiness boosters.

6- Not spending on experiences

Not spending and investing in experiences may be another way you are blocking your happiness. Yes, we all have a very busy lifestyle, various commitments and responsibilities are always waiting for our attention, but we have to take time out to chill in order to avoid burnout.

Many people go on holiday but how many people go on experiences that are new? We can lie on a beach every 2 weeks in a year, no problem. But going to the same spot every year is hardly exciting after a while.

Think about going on a safari, climb the Himalayas, or Everest, visit the Taj Mahal, go bungee jumping, ride a hot air balloon….. you get my drift? A day or 2 of these activities are amazing and can last a lifetime. Time and effort are what is needed and they are well invested in your happiness.

7- Not engaging in quality conversations

Quality conversations make people happier. I am talking about meaningful conversations that deepen our understanding of another person or discussions that let us know more about a topic.

I dread small talks. I find them tiring. I am happy to sit for hours with some people because I know they are good conversationalists, talking with them is rewarding. I avoid some people because the conversations are just not gratifying, sitting for long with them makes me unhappy. If you try to bring meaningful topics they clam up or get bored.

Find common ground of discussion. Go for topics that everyone can engage in like everyday experiences. Don’t dominate the discussion. Leave your phone out of sight. Don’t try to impress, you may come off sounding boastful.

8- Not taking time out for yourself

A person full of stress will be easily irritated. An irritated person will struggle with happiness. Reduce your stress levels by taking time out to chill in order to give room for happiness.

Do something you really enjoy. Stay cuddled up on the sofa watching Netflix. Go for a massage. Dance to your favourite song. Take a long soak in the bath. Eat out at that new restaurant in your area. Invite your friends over or go out for a catchup. Do something fun. Let your hair down. in short, take time out to absolutely enjoy yourself without any guilt, and see the happiness come rolling in.

9- Not learning something new

In case you don’t know- YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Oh yes, learning a new thing is a mind booster, and the sense of accomplishment derived from acquiring a new skill will boost your happiness.

Learning something new is also great at sharpening your mind and keeping it active. Think of it as an exercise for your brain. It can be as simple as learning a new game, new recipe, new exercise, or new language.

10- Not airing your grievances

I heard that there is an African tribe that has weekly meetings to air their grievances, to encourage a sense of well-being. Please, please, please if you know this tribe let me know. I want to read more about them. They are so forward-thinking. Google is not helping me at all with this much-needed information.

We are all walking around with unresolved grievances, this is blocking chances of happiness. If we air these grievances our minds will be free and at peace, creating room for happiness.

Holding in something preying on your mind for so long is not healthy and can block your chances of happiness. Time to let it out. Trust me, relief and happiness are on the other side.

11- Not spreading enough kindness around

Not spreading enough kindness around may be the reason you are not as happy as you should be. Start right now, go out there and start sprinkling kindness about, you will be amazed how happy you will be.

Open the door for that stranger. Let that guy with only a few items go first in a checkout line. Give space to that driver trafficating to move into your lane. Compliments that random lady you find gorgeous. Say thank you to your colleague for doing her work. Just do something nice for doing sake.

Our acts do not have to be big to make an impact. Those little little things matter. Let’s not forget to practice gratitude for everything we have, it is a happiness booster too. Let’s start right now and our life and the world around us will be better for it.

Thanks a lot for reading. Please, your contributions to this post will be appreciated in the comment section below. Help by clicking like, and share with your friends. Also, don’t forget to join other subscribers to receive notifications of new posts by email. I appreciate it.

Stay with me,

Ruka

Stay with me,

Ruka

About Post Author

Ruka

My name is Ruka. Born and bred in Nigeria. Now living in Ireland. I am a Woman, Feminist, Wife, Mother, Muslim, Black, and African. I am an Entrepreneur who also works in Finance Administration. I am a Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Warrior. I love writing and hope to make a name for myself doing it.

rukaganiyu5@gmail.com

https://www.rukasplace.com

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