Reflections on the New Year: 5 Ways to be Happier
Published
January 12, 2025
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Reflections on the New Year:
5 Ways to be Happier
With the rest of the world, us, Charlestonians, have stepped into the New Year. This year, there was a 30% increase of all new year’s resolutions revolving around improving mental and emotional well-being. This number has been growing steadily since the onset of the global pandemic of Covid-19. More and more individuals around the globe are prioritizing their psychological health. We all know the term, yet few would be confidently able to name the key factors responsible for human happiness.
According to research, while some degree of happiness is predisposed by genetics and some by not-so-easily-changeable geographic and socioeconomic factors, approximately 40% of our total happiness can, in fact, be changed
Here are 5 key factors in how you can impact your levels of happiness this year:
- Having strong social connections.Research suggests that having strong and meaningful social connections with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors significantly impacts our levels of happiness and life satisfaction. But don’t overdo it: if you tend to be an introvert, forcing social interactions can be draining and depleting. You may want to nurture fewer and deeper connections instead. If you tend to be an extravert, however, in addition to having those 2-3 confidants, you may want to cultivate one or several groups of people (they don’t have to be very close connections) with whom you get your energy and feed your need for social contact. If you’re struggling to meet people, consider volunteering or a new sport or a hobby!
- Engagement and flow.A large body of research suggests that “flow” is a vital part of experiencing joy in life. We feel “flow” when we’re engaging in a joyful, meaningful, or gratifying activity and stay fully present in the moment while doing it. Many athletes and artists are very familiar with the state of “flow”, when you become completely absorbed by it, and time appears to stay still. This year you can learn how to meditate and be mindful (mindfulness means being in the “flow”), or get back to an old activity you used to enjoy, or try something new, like coloring, painting, cooking, or being in nature.
- Pursuing Meaningful Goals. Pursuing goals that align with your values offers a lasting sense of happiness. Whether it’s volunteering, donating to a cause, self-improvement, mentoring, or simply spreading joy and gratitude – think of a meaningful short-term or long-term goal for this year.
- Self-acceptance and self-compassion.Individuals who accept their flaws along with their strengths, and tend to have a compassionate and kind inner voice, tend to be much happier, as opposed to their counterparts. This year start catching yourself when you speak harshly to yourself. A good question to ask is “Would I speak to someone I love this way?”. If the answer is no, then you deserve better, too.
- Resilience and Coping Skills.Being resilient and having the skills to handle difficult emotions, stress, and tough life’s circumstances is another key factor in increasing your happiness. This is where a great healthcare routine (including limiting your alcohol consumption), along with excellent sleeping habits, and regular movement of the body is highly important. Learning relaxation techniques, such as body scanning and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as breathing exercises to help lower your stress levels can be greatly beneficial for managing anger, anxiety, and frustration.
So, here’s to happy and healthy New Year, dear Charlestonians and their loved ones! May we greet it with grace, kindness, and an ever-evolving ability for self and other compassion.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Therapist,
Dr. Magid
Your life doesn’t magically improve by random happenstance; it transforms and flourishes when you embrace deliberate, purposeful change. Each step forward, every decision to grow and evolve, all the choices made with intention.