Happiness is that feel-good feeling that many people spend their whole life in pursuit of. However, in this video we want to explore how seeking pleasure and happiness can actually undermine our capacity to authentically feel happy. It’s a bit of a paradox.
When we suppress any of our emotions, we subtly suppress all of our emotions, including happiness. Contrary to popular belief, lots of what people call “self care” is actually happiness hygiene. True self care includes caring for all of our emotions, not just the happy ones. Happy emotions range from feeling chill, open, or calm, to experiencing connection or inspiration, all the way up to the mountaintops of ecstasy or bliss. As we reframe how we think about happiness, we can feel more centred and grounded, and less like we need to constantly chase good feelings.
Happiness Hygiene Ideas:
- Take random emotional check-ins. How do I feel now?
- Dance, move your body, shoot some hoops, etc.
- Listen to music
- Create something
- Practice letting go of happiness when it’s time to move on
- Call someone and share some joy
