Introduction
Happiness with oneself is a state of feeling fulfilled, content, and satisfied with who we are and the life we lead. It’s an inner peace that comes from learning to accept ourselves—flaws and all—and recognizing our own worth. While happiness with oneself can be difficult to achieve, it’s far from impossible. Here, we explore eight strategies for how to be happy with yourself.
Spend Time Doing Things You Enjoy
Take time out of your day to do something you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, writing poetry, playing a sport, or going on nature walks, engaging in activities that bring you joy can help you feel more connected to yourself and your passions. As psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains, “When we choose activities that bring us pleasure and satisfaction, we increase our chances of being in a flow state, which is associated with improved psychological well-being.”
Practice Gratitude and Appreciation
Gratitude and appreciation go hand in hand with happiness. When we take the time to appreciate what we have, rather than constantly focusing on what we don’t have, it can help us become more present and mindful of our lives. According to a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, expressing gratitude can lead to increased feelings of joy and contentment. Try keeping a gratitude journal and writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Cultivate Positive Self-Talk
Thoughts shape our reality and the way we perceive ourselves. When we practice positive self-talk, we can better foster feelings of self-love and acceptance. To reframe negative thoughts, try asking yourself questions such as “What’s another way I could look at this?” or “What would I tell a friend in this situation?” Research conducted by Harvard Medical School found that practicing mindfulness and developing positive thought patterns can help improve our sense of wellbeing.
Make Connections With Others
Humans are social creatures and forming meaningful connections with others can help us feel supported and seen. Making time to connect with friends, family, and even strangers can help boost our mood and create a sense of belonging. According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, having strong relationships with others is one of the biggest predictors of happiness.
Live an Authentic Life
Living authentically means being true to yourself and living in alignment with your values and beliefs. When we live authentically, we can better understand our needs and make choices that honor them. This can help us feel more secure and empowered within ourselves. As psychotherapist Kelly Bos explains, “Authenticity means allowing yourself to be vulnerable and transparent about who you are. It involves owning your story, knowing your values and boundaries, and honoring your truth.”
Invest in Yourself
Investing in yourself is key to becoming happier with who you are. Take time to reflect on the areas of your life you want to grow in, and make a plan to get there. Whether it’s taking a course, reading self-help books, or working with a therapist, investing in yourself can help you become the best version of yourself. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who invested in themselves reported greater levels of happiness than those who didn’t.
Conclusion
Happiness with oneself takes time and effort to cultivate. By spending time doing things you enjoy, practicing gratitude, cultivating positive self-talk, making connections with others, living an authentic life, and investing in yourself, you can learn how to be happy with yourself. Happiness with oneself is possible—you just need to give yourself the time, space, and energy to make it happen.
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