10 Actionable Steps To Happiness You Can Take Right Now

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a funk and can’t seem to get out of it? You’re not alone. A lot of working homeschool moms find themselves feeling down from time to time for no apparent reason.

We are all capable of being happy. It’s not something determined by our genetics or DNA; it is a choice we make throughout life, and the result affects how much joy you experience in your relationships with others and yourself!

You can do things to help yourself feel consistently happy, even when you are so busy you feel like you can’t enjoy the life around you. When you work and homeschool, you are always on the go. It can be easy to feel sucked into the “race of life” without knowing how to slow down and find joy.

I want to share with you 11 actionable steps to happiness that you can take right now!

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1. Get Enough Sleep

I know it sounds boring, or maybe even obvious, but getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but I will admit that unless I’m sick, I never get 8 hours of sleep in one night.

One way to help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm is to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This may mean setting an alarm for yourself or avoiding caffeine in the evening. It can also help to create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath. By making sleep a priority, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

If getting more sleep in the night is off the table because you have little ones at home, a work shift that is always changing, or something else interrupting your sleep, try to add quiet times to your day so you can at least get some rest.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

When you’re busy, it’s easy to grab whatever is convenient, but that doesn’t always mean it’s good for you. Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best and can give you the energy you need to get through the day.

If you find yourself grabbing unhealthy snacks or skipping meals altogether, try these tips for eating better on the go:

• Plan ahead and pack healthy snacks with you, so you’re not tempted by vending machines or fast food.
• Make time for breakfast. It may seem like a hassle, but starting your day with a nutritious meal can help you make better choices throughout the day.
• Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help you think more clearly and avoid making poor food choices when you’re feeling fatigued.

Remember to grab the bag of carrots versus the bag of chips, and you’ll be on your way through these steps to happiness in no time!

A quick note on skipping meals: When I am hungry, I get cranky. When I am cranky, I take it out on my coworkers or family, which makes everyone unhappy. Take a few minutes to snack and curb the hunger.

3. Exercise

It’s well known that exercise can have a positive effect on your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining your mental health and well-being. Even if you are feeling down, taking some time for physical activity may help lift those feelings and make it easier to focus again!

A recent study found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise can improve mood and cognitive function, making it one of the important steps to happiness to follow. The study participants who exercised showed immediate improvements in executive function, which is the ability to focus, plan, and remember details. They also had more positive outlooks and felt less fatigue.

Exercise doesn’t have to look like rigorous stair-stepping or doing squats until you’re red in the face. Exercise can also look like simply running around the yard with your kids playing kickball! It can look like washing your car, cleaning the wheels, and vacuuming the inside of it. Just doing something and put your body in motion.

4. Take Breaks

Everyone feels overwhelmed or stressed from time to time. When you’re feeling burdened by stress, it’s important to take a few minutes for yourself to unwind and let go of stress. Taking a hot bath, reading your favorite book, or taking a walk outdoors are all great ways to unwind. Taking some time for yourself will help you feel refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges come your way.

Relaxation is key to managing stress levels, and by taking some time for yourself, you can help reduce the amount of stress in your life. These steps to happiness are all important. So don’t wait until you’re about to snap before taking a break. Make sure to schedule some “me” time (self-care) into your day so you can relax and recharge.

If you need help figuring out how to fit self-care into your busy life, I have a self-care kit designed for working moms. This kit walks you through how to find the time, different types of self-care, journaling tips, and more!

5. Connect With Loved Ones

Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. A few ways you can do this when you are on the run from work to picking the kids up at a homeschool activity is to stay in touch via text, social media, or in person. Quality time with those you care about is always time well spent.

In fact, research from the National Library of Medicine shows that spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions like happiness and satisfaction, which makes it a perfect step in our “steps to happiness” list!

So next time you’re feeling stressed, spend some time one-on-one with your kids. It just might be the perfect prescription for what ails you.

6. Do Something You Love

One of the best ways to find joy and happiness in your life is to take the time to do something YOU love. Whether painting, hiking, biking, or playing with your kids, participating in activities you enjoy can help boost your overall mood and outlook on life.

Doing things you enjoy is a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day or week. It can also help you connect with others who share your interests. And when you’re feeling good about yourself, it’s easier to face life’s challenges with confidence and optimism.

Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV when you have a few minutes of downtime, consider doing something that will make you happy. When you follow these steps to happiness, you’ll find yourself in a brighter, happier mood in no time! And if you think this is great, just think about what following your dreams can do!

7. Be Mindful

Negative thoughts can make you feel like you are drowning when you are juggling working and homeschooling. The self-imposed mom guilt will get you every time!

Instead, try paying attention to the present moment and focus on your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. This can help you appreciate the good in your life and minimize negative thinking.

But being present is about more than just being aware of your surroundings. It’s about being aware of your own thoughts and feelings and learning to connect with your body and the world around you. When you focus on the present moment, you can begin to understand your patterns of thought and behavior, and learn how to control your emotions and take charge of your life.

As you become more present, you may also find that your relationships improve, as you are able to be more honest and authentic with others. These steps to happiness will help you learn to pay attention to the present moment and can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

8. Practice Gratitude

It has been said that gratitude is the memory of the heart. When we take the time to express our gratitude, we are reminded of all the good things in our lives. This, in turn, can help increase our happiness and satisfaction with life.

Additionally, in the same research article from the National Library of Medicine, you can see that it shows that grateful people are more likely to experience positive emotions, such as joy and enthusiasm. They are also less likely to experience negative emotions, such as anger and resentment.

Furthermore, grateful people are more likely to report higher levels of self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. The benefits of gratitude are clear.

So next time you’re feeling down, follow these steps to happiness and take a moment to reflect on all the things you’re thankful for. One of my favorite ways to practice gratitude is using a gratitude journal. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and encouraging my teens to do the same. It has made a world of difference in helping me find joy.

9. Give Back

One of the steps to happiness is about giving back, surprisingly enough. The old adage goes, “it’s better to give than to receive.” Helping others – whether it’s through volunteering, donating money, helping a single mom, or simply performing acts of kindness – can make you feel good about yourself and your place in the world.

When you help others, you are not only making a difference in their lives but also improving your own mental and physical health by following these steps to happiness. When you’re feeling down or uncertain about your place in the world, remind yourself to try reaching out and helping someone else.

Some of our favorite ways to do this are by baking cookies and dropping them off with friends. Or making soup in a jar and hand delivering it.

Giving back doesn’t need to be complicated; keep it simple, easy, and fun!

10. Live In The Moment

It’s so easy to get caught up in what has already happened or what might happen in the future. We often dwell on the past, feeling guilty about things we can’t change, or worry about the future, anxious about what might go wrong. However, this way of living robs us of the joy that comes from living in the present.

I remember having a bad day at work, and a co-worker said, “Stop replaying what happened in your mind. Let it go. You did your best in the situation. If you keep dwelling on it, you’ll stay in that moment.”

She was right. I was playing the situation over and over again, trying to think of a way I could have made it better. But all I did was turn that bad moment into a bad day.

Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, follow these steps to happiness by focusing on the present. Enjoy the simple things in life and savor the moments you spend with loved ones.

These are the things that really matter. When we focus on the present, we can appreciate all the good that is happening right now and be grateful for what we have.

This doesn’t mean we should ignore our problems or stop planning for the future. But it’s important to find balance. Rather than letting our problems consume us or letting our anxiety control our lives, we can learn to live in the present moment and find happiness in everyday life.

BONUS: Forgive

Holding onto anger and resentment will only hurt you in the long run.

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

–Unknown

One of the most important steps to happiness is to let go of grudges and negativity so you can move on with your life. You will find yourself easing into a lighter feeling, which can help you be happier overall. Besides, everyone makes mistakes. Everyone is busy, so it’s easy to overlook things sometimes.

Make it a practice to give people the benefit of the doubt. This means setting your mind into a positive state rather than an ugly, negative state. Especially when you don’t know the circumstances of what the other person is going through.

So, unless you’ve never wronged someone yourself, accidentally or intentionally, then be sure to give forgiveness to those who made errors against you.

10 Actionable Steps To Happiness You Can Take Right Now

It’s no secret that happiness is one of the most sought-after feelings in the world. Who doesn’t want to feel joyful, content, and at ease with life? The good news is that happiness is something that can be cultivated through effort and intention. By following these steps to happiness, you can improve your mood, outlook on life, and overall happiness.

Even so, it’s important to remember that happiness is a journey, not a destination. Take things one day at a time and be patient with yourself as you work towards a more joyful life. In time, you’ll find that the happiness you’re seeking is within your reach.

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