I try to make it a point to put myself first every day. To do that, I need to make sure I have a positive, happy mindset. I need to make sure that my emotions are stable and in check. And I need to make sure that I’m doing the things that I love and enjoy doing. 

For me, it’s the same eight things that make me happy on a daily basis. For you, it may be slightly different. You may take a few things off my list and add a few of your own. All I know is that you, and I, should continue doing the things that make us happy no matter what. 

1. I’m mindful of what I have; I don’t focus on what I don’t have in this life.

Daily, I ask myself, “What am I grateful for?” The answer to that question is my family, friends, occupation, the roof over my head, the food I eat, and the clean water I have to stay hydrated and bathe. I am so happy that I have the chance to know and be close with my family and friends. I am so happy that I have the opportunity to work at a great job that supports my home. I am so happy that I get a meal and clean drinking water every single day. 

Acknowledging and being mindful of what I do have changed my outlook on life in a positive light. I highly suggest trying it out. Start simple if you have to; don’t let your mind go down the jealousy rabbit hole. Aren’t you grateful that someone loves you? Aren’t you grateful that you get to eat your favorite snacks? Aren’t you grateful that you can breathe in fresh air? Don’t wish you had what other people had, because that’s not going to make you happy in the slightest.

2. I give back to the community every chance I get.

I genuinely adore donating time and funds to the community. I do it because I can and because it feels good to help those in need. No, I do not participate in charity because I want some sort of recognition; it feeds my soul and makes the people I’m helping feel happy, too. 

To be completely honest, most of my donations are anonymous, solely because I don’t want someone giving me excess gratitude. That’s for me to know. 

Part of my donations are church-related, which will get me to my next point.

3. I attend church to learn the lessons that God has to share.

Every time I attend my Christian church, I feel enlightened. I feel like I belong to something bigger than myself. 

This is NOT me pushing my beliefs on anyone, believe me, because I do not believe in doing that. It just makes me feel good to sing the songs, gather with the kind and giving people, and hear the message that can truly teach me a lifelong lesson.

4. I make sure I get sufficient alone time.

Time with family and friends is definitely necessary, but so is alone time, time to regroup and relax. I prefer using my alone time to read a book, watch a show, cook some new recipes, or take the doggo for a walk. 

Think about it this way: Alone time is a great mood booster and stabilizer; why wouldn’t you want to feel fully refreshed for the day and the people you’re going to come in contact with ahead? I suggest one day or night of alone time per week, to really fully energize yourself up.

5. I do everything that I can to balance my anxieties and depressions.

This can technically tie into alone time but doesn’t always have to. I balance my anxieties and depressions by doing what I love to do. Some days it's reading and writing, other days it's country line dancing. I do enjoy my Netflix binge time. Grabbing a drink and trying new food is always fun. And, I make it a point to take a travel trip at least once a year. 

Make sure you find the things that work for you - my suggestions may even work!

6. I need a good amount of sleep to function properly, and I make sure I get that more often than not.

Five hours of sleep doesn’t do it for me. I get so cranky. Personally, eight hours is great, and there are even times where I get more and it works out in my favor! To be honest, indulging in sleep probably isn’t the best thing, but my body seems to love it, and I love to give my body what it likes. 

You’ll want to find what works for you. Once you do, stick to it. Having sporadic sleep schedules can lead to unhappiness, not to mention sleep deprivation can increase stress and decrease mood.

7. Though I’m not an expert, I do try my best to eat healthily.

Fast food, foods loaded with salt or sugar, and canned/boxed goods are really bad news. They make me gain weight, feel sluggish, and increase the risk of additional health problems.

On the other hand, eating healthy boosts my mood, clears my skin, makes my hair shiny and betters my metabolism. I’ll take that scenario any day. It makes me happy to feel good.

8. Honestly, cuddling does the trick.

Cuddling can boost overall health, help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, fend off sickness, and improve mood. I mean, cuddling automatically ejects feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Who can stand here and say they don’t like to cuddle, at least from time to time?