In today’s busy world, you might often rush through your routine, day-by-day, week-by-week, without stopping to think about the overall picture. Do you like the state you live in? The field you work in? The personal relationships you are in? Is it time to make a major change or are you happy with the status quo? Are you happy with who you are? Sometimes it takes some quiet time and reflecting to accurately assess your overall happiness. Here are 15 questions to ask yourself.
1. Are you Happy with the Way You Look?
Yes, how you see yourself is what truly matters and not how others see you. But if you are not happy with your physical appearance, it’s that much harder to be completely happy with yourself. Alter your lifestyle, change your hair, take on a new physical hobby. Do whatever it takes to please yourself and make no apologies for it.
Men: 8 Tips on How to Improve Your Image
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2. Do you Get Away at least Once a Year?
Maybe you can’t afford to go on vacation. Maybe your workload won’t allow you to take time off. Or, even if you plan on taking a vacation this year, you also plan on bringing your laptop to stay connected to your office. It’s easy to discount the true value of getting away from work, but if job stress is bringing you down, a getaway can positively impact your health and happiness on a larger scale. It helps curb burnout and fatigue, from long work hours. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with family. Most importantly, it allows you to relax and free yourself of the responsibilities of your job and home.
3. Is Money a Source of Stress?
It’s no secret that your stress level, demeanor and overall outlook can be a direct result of your financial situation. If money is a constant concern and affecting other areas of your day-to-day, now’s the time to take steps to get a handle on your personal finances. Drastic changes may be necessary. So, take a look at your income compared to your spending. Are there areas where you can cut back spending? Do you have a special skill that you can use part-time to earn additional income? Lay out a feasible plan and stick to it.
4. Do you Maintain a Work/Life Balance?
If hours spent with friends and family pale in comparison to your weekly work hours, it may be time to take a step back. While some jobs require this overlap of personal and professional, the lack of balance between the two can negatively affect your relationships, your lifestyle and even your health. It’s so easy for work to trickle into every other aspect of your life, but people who are able to separate the two are happier.
5. Are you Actively Pursuing Your Goals?
Many people are unhappy and don’t know why, but it could be that they are not where they want to be in their career or personal life. Whatever your goals may be, purchasing a home, owning your own business, or even starting a family, the key to accomplishing them is to set achievable goals and plot realistic paths to get there. Do more than set deadlines, outline small steps along the way.
Personal Goal Setting
Career Goal Setting
6. Are you Easily Irritated by Friends, Family and Coworkers?
Anything can cause a short fuse - frustration over a long commute, lack of sleep or problems at work - but taking it out on the ones you love will only push them away. Let them know that you care by planning time to spend with them. You might find you’re happier and less irritable because you get to spend time with the ones you love. They can be the support you need to get you through the frustration of a long day.
7. Do you Dread Waking Up in the Morning?
If you’re so unhappy with your job that you hate getting out of bed, then it might be time for a change. Even though the economy might be bad right now, don’t give up on finding a better job. Spruce up your resume, work on a killer cover letter and apply to jobs that will better your situation. Adding a job search to your day and planning for the future will motivate you to reach your goals and add a sense of purpose to your day.
8. Does your Mind Wander?
When trying to enjoy something you love, like playing with your kids or watching a movie, it’s easy to let your mind wander to the worries and responsibilities of everyday life. In doing this you’re missing out on the fun you should be having. Take the time to organize your thoughts and prioritize your tasks for the day into a list. Having that checklist to refer to will keep you from continuously revisiting those issues in your mind. And, the feeling of accomplishment you get after checking a task off your list can’t be beat.
9. Do you Wish you Could Get More Sleep?
Sleep is key to having a good day. It’s difficult to feel happy or even put up a cheerful front when you’re tired. With a full calendar, you may place sleep as a last priority. But, how can you enjoy it all without any energy? Decide which activities on your calendar are really important to you and cut the rest out so you have more time to relax and sleep. You may find that with more sleep, you have more energy to get more things done during the day.
10. Does your Commute Stress You Out?
Shortening your commute by moving or by working from home a few days of the week would be an excellent solution. However, for most people, this isn’t an option. It’s easy to become angry and frustrated with other drivers on the road, but there are things you can do to ease the stress of your commute. Use it as a time to listen to a book on tape or create a great play list to keep you mellow. If possible, take the bus or set up a carpool at your office. Riding with other people and simply not having the responsibility of driving everyday will help lower your stress levels.
11. Do you Ever Take Time for Yourself?
No matter how crazy your life is, taking some “me time” is crucial. You should define what enjoyment means to you, what really leaves you feeling good. Whether it’s a video game, a good book or a long drive, your favorite solo activity will rejuvenate you and make you feel content. Make sure you set aside some time every week to do at least one thing you love.
12. Do you Make Fun a Priority?
Being a grown-up is not easy. We are expected to work all day and squeeze in all the tedious tasks, such as paying bills and doing laundry, in our free time. If we get married and have kids, there are even more demands on our time…visiting in-laws, getting kids ready for school and helping them with homework, the list goes on. It is not uncommon for adults to put fun on the back burner.
Having fun and doing something you find entertaining is a great way to stay happy. What is it you used to do when you had time? Movies? Bars? Sporting Events? Make a date! Pencil a fun activity on your calendar and stick to it. When you go out to have fun you’ll find yourself forgetting about bills, work, kids — and you might even find yourself grinning from ear to ear.
13. Is your Apartment or House Just a Place to Sleep?
How do you feel when it’s time to go home? Do you welcome the chance to step into your apartment or house? Or do you dread it? Are you happy with your current digs?
If thinking of your home conjures up unsettling feelings, do something about it. Maybe it’s the clutter? Take a weekend to get organized and get rid of things. Maybe you don’t like the layout of your home or maybe the annoying neighbors? Get a plan rolling so you can find a new home and move out. We spend at least a third of our lives in our homes so we should make sure home is a place we feel relaxed and happy.
14. Are you Active on a Regular Basis?
Getting daily exercise may be the single most important thing you can do to improve your overall health. It even boosts chemicals in your brain, enhancing your memory. When you don’t exercise, you are more likely to feel sluggish and depressed, plus you run the risk of obesity and many common diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Make sure you fit an exercise plan into your daily routine. The easiest way to do this is to go walking. Experts recommend 30 minutes a day, even if you break it into 3 10-minute segments. Getting active, and staying active, will be a huge contributor to your overall happiness.
15. Does your Schedule Dictate your Diet?
Are you so busy that you barely have time to eat? Do you grab whatever you can find, without putting any thought into your diet? Do you frequently eat while you’re driving? Many people turn to fast food when they are busy - it’s easy, convenient and inexpensive. Or worse yet, a lot of people skip meals or eat junk food from a vending machine.
Getting crucial nutrients in your body not only improves your health, it makes you feel energized and gives you a positive self-image.
Take some time to plan your meals. Buy a few simple items at that grocery store and pack your breakfast or lunch. If you must go with fast food, get a kid’s size meal rather than a Whopper or Big Mac. Or better yet, order a wrap or a salad. When you stop putting unhealthy foods in your body, you are sure to feel healthier and happier.
Are You Happy with Who You Are?
Are you happy with who you are? It’s a difficult question to ask yourself. But, by examining the questions above, you can focus on areas in your life where finding happiness doesn’t come easy. You don’t have to totally rearrange your life. The little changes can make the biggest difference in your overall happiness.
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