What is the secret to a happy life?

[Washeduponthebeach]

Interested to know what has worked for you and why. How you have changed your approach or what life events have prompted a different outlook!

some great advice I have very recently been given is 'if something takes 15-30 mins, just do it now'. As in, don't let small, tedious jobs build up until you feel overwhelmed or they're infringing on your space to relax or concentrate on bigger things. I know it sounds small and tactical rather than a philosophical answer but I am finding it gives me a much clearer mind and sense of progress.

Read this somewhere recently - so true;

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy"

Try not to worry about the small things and try to live in the moment as much as possible.

Being able to leave work. Days are now filled with pleasing myself what i do and when i do it. Fairly boring for most people i suppose but my day consists of lots of book reading, coffee drinking and regular long hot bubble baths. Its amazing how less stress can completely transform your life and your outlook on it.

I find not putting up with shit from men is a good first step.

pick battles worth fighting.

I think it’s a combination of choices, circumstances and luck.

I try to have a balance of keeping things in perspective, preparing for the worst case scenario but hoping for the best possible outcome. It’s not the end of the world if something bad happens; it’s just life, I’ve got through much worse and eventually something good will happen to balance it out. And I don’t dwell on the shit stuff that has happened. I think about all the good stuff and how lucky I’ve been when things could have been worse. Or how something bad happening cleared the way for something good to come along.

I’ve made conscious choices about the sort of people I let close to me, which couldn’t have worked out any better for me.

I’ve learnt what makes me happy (doing something creative) and what calms me (being by the sea, no matter what the weather) and I take pleasure in those things, and a million other little, insignificant things that make the difference between having a bad day and a good one.

And following the times I need prescription medication to simply get out of bed in the morning and get through the day, I don’t beat myself up about it.

Lowering my expectations of both myself and other people.

Surround yourself with good people
Decent job that isn't too stressful
Enjoy everything in moderation
Good health
Income more than outgoings
Mindfulness
Luck

Don’t compare, appreciate what you have.

Boundaries

I strive for contentment and peace rather than happy as I feel that's a transient emotion. Contentment is to me a longer term state of mind.

So simplifying things, focus on what is in my control and what isnt.

Then try and do things for future me so saving and exercise etc.

I'm far from where I need to be but I'm working on it.

Mindfulness.

@GooodMythicalMorning

Making yourself happy, not relying on happiness to come from someone else.

YES THIS IS A BIG ONE ACTUALLY! for me any way

A couple of people have commented on how well Dh and I do and what a good team we are. In my mind we are a team but playing a different sport to anyone else. We also get on with our own game quietly just doing us.

I also generally dont follow trends, if I like something or want something i get/do it regardless of what others might think or if it's cool or not

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy!

Time is more important than money
Make life as simple as possible = less stress
Try and see the funny side of situations
Bigger/faster/shinier/more expensive doesn't mean better...especially if it means debt
Walk away from people who make you feel bad about yourself
Don't fill your home with 'stuff'
Keep yourself healthy with good food, exercise, good hygiene, a clean home
Enjoy the small things...walk in greenery/gardens, laughing, coffee and cake, sunset, cosy fire, sunshine, puppy, whatever....
Never compare, be yourself, embrace your individuality
Try not to take anything for granted...it can be taken away very quickly

Obvious stuff like financial, career and marriage security

Stuff that keeps me happy:

Don’t compare

Don’t watch empty, toxic stuff so that covers reality TV and soaps. Don’t be a Facebook, Insta, Twitter obsessive

Don’t read the Daily Mail and that includes the online shite

Look after myself, what I eat, training most days, I feel happy when I’m healthy and fit

Get a hobby, or a few hobbies

If you get married, marry your best friend

Own a dog or even better, two

Finally HRT

Choices

Get a dog.

Spend time gardening.

Stop worrying about what other people think.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Having content as your goal rather than chasing happy.

@chickensandbees I second this

Interesting thread. Place marking for now, but I will think about it and post properly later.

I really believe that if you look after your brain and body, you’re on to a good start.

Find time for exercise because production on endorphins really works

Don’t do drugs, don’t abuse alcohol, cos it just makes you feel worse!

Financial stability

Choose well when finding a life partner

Have a purpose

Trying to see something good in most situations