7 Ingredients in My Happiness Formula

Through years of struggling with depression. After work and school, I would spend the rest of my time in my room. I would often isolate myself from others and watch Netflix, read, or listen to music. I would go into this cycle once every two years it seemed. It would take a lot of work and companionship to free myself from my depression. Over the last couple of years, I finally discovered my formula for happiness and I am sharing it with you.

(DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed therapist and this is not a substitute for professional advice. I am speaking purely out of experience.)

1. Strong and Healthy Relationships:

I think we all need loved ones who support us, loves us, give us validation, and are there for us no matter what. Sometimes this means we need to cut ties when a relationship is not mutually invested in and that can make a great difference.

Personally, I have had to cut a few ties due to the relationships not being mutually invested. When I was friends with the people I cut ties with, it affected my mental health. I was bullied in some of my friendships and taken advantage of in others. Once I had cut ties with those people, I realized how toxic those relationships were and how free I was.

From my experiences, a healthy relationship consists of trust, acceptance, communication, genuine interest and love and respect. I have friends who I know I can talk to about anything and would never judge me. They accept me for who I am and are always there for me.

My husband is the same way. He supports me in everything I do and I always feel I can talk to him. His love is genuine and pure. He is very sensitive to my feelings and never talks to me disrespectfully. He also understands my love language and does his best to fulfill it. I believe our relationships can either make us or brake us. That is why they are so important to our overall happiness and well-being.

2. Self-Affirmations

.We need to be our own best friend. I have noticed over the years that we have a tendency to give our loved ones well-needed affirmations but we refuse to give them to ourselves. We need to accept ourselves for who we are and to love ourselves. Society may teach us that we will never be good enough, but we need to realize that we are enough. We are all trying our best and that's all that we can and should do.

We need to look in the mirror and give ourselves affirmations such as:

• I am Beautiful

• I am Strong

• I have Potential

• I am Worthy

• I am Enough

These will allow us to change our mindset to a positive one and see ourselves as who we are rather than who we think we are. There were times in my life where I thought I wasn't good enough because I felt like I didn't live up to the expectations held for me. However, when I started to live authentically, I practiced self-affirmations and I realized that who I am right now, is good enough. My friends, be your own best friend. Improving your relationship with yourself is worth it!

3. Enjoying Nature

There is so much beauty in the world around us. I love discovering new places to hike, take picnics, walks, and climb. It is so fun and peaceful for me. There is something about nature that brings so much peace. I believe it is the sights, the sounds and the smells. There is a euphoric feeling when you see a waterfall, the ocean, a creek in an aspen forest, a beautiful and colorful jungle etc. Enjoying nature can also help to lower your stress levels, "A recent Dutch study suggests that spending time in nature and performing repetitive tasks such as gardening can fight stress better than other leisure activities" (11 Scientific Reasons Why Being in Nature is Relaxing).

4. Living Authentically

It is easy to live for others. It is a comfort zone that we sometimes have a tendency to stick to. However, it is also acts as a prison. When we live to appease other people, it may make them happy but what about what you? What do you want for your life? What will make you the most happy and healthy? These are questions we need to think about. Unfortunately, living authentically can disappoint those we care about, but it is also the road to happiness. Being your authentic self and living in a way that best suits your needs is so freeing!

"Second, the more authentic you are, the more able you are to withstand the pressures from other people around you to be the person they want you to be, rather than who you are. You will be free to be yourself, to understand your motivations and goals in life... Learning to live authentically is important to a happy life, so spend time thinking about what that means for you" (Why Are Authentic People Happier?).

It can be hard to do this, but it is important. You are important! You have so much potential and you need to use it. You need to be who you are and honor what is important to you.

5. Spirituality

Spirituality can be different for everyone. For some it may a religion, for others it may be mindfulness. Taking some time to slow down and to give yourself some time for spiritual moments can bring so much peace. Personally, I have found that whenever I have engaged spiritually whether it be through prayer or meditation, I am often more at peace and have reduced levels of stress:

"Spirituality and prayer also provide people with an opportunity to engage in a meditative act. Meditation has been shown to have a strong link with well-being because it calms the body, reduces stress and anxiety, and also supports positive thinking." (Spiritual Engagement and Meaning).

I think we all need it in some form to help us get through the moments when our stress levels are high and we are feeling hopeless. When I had gone through depression, the feeling of hopelessness was constant. I felt like I would never be happy again. Once I started to pray harder and wrote daily of my spiritual experience, I became more content.

6. Self-Care

We need to remember that we are important too. Especially for all of you moms. You are important too and you need to be taken care of. Go for a run, take a hot bath, get a message, paint your nails, read that book you have dying to read, take some time to do your hair, plan a girl's night or a date night etc. It is not selfish but rather is necessary to be happy, energetic and to take on the day to day stresses:

"Self-care is important to maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. It means doing things to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. Doing so enhances our ability to live fully, vibrantly, and effectively." (Self Care - Active Minds).

We are no good to anyone if we are not taken care of. Think about the things you need and then make the time to do them. You are a priority too, so treat yourself like a priority.

7. Fun

You need to go out and have fun. You work to live, and now it is time to really live; not just exist. Plan vacations, plan day trips, find places in your area to visit, hangout with friends, go to the movies, go bowling, go mini golfing, visit the zoo, visit the aquarium, have a beach day, etc. Right now is your time to live, so do it! It doesn't have to be expensive. It could be as simple as having friends over or having a picnic at the park. This is apart of your self-care needs and you, my friend, are a priority. You need to let loose and enjoy the life you have.

Conclusion

Your are important. You need to know this and believe it. Life is too short and you need to enjoy it. My friends, you deserve to be happy. You deserve to experience each joy that life has to offer for you. This world is for you! Don't waste your precious time on unhealthy relationships, living for others or staying at home and doing nothing. Allow yourself to explore, live authentically and cultivate healthy relationships because you are worthy of them. Do it all for you!