What Can I Do To Be Happy?
Message: How can I be happy? I feel down all the time.
Response: This is such a heavy question and I appreciate you reaching out to ask it. It's not always easy to feel happy, especially when we are faced with obstacles like pressure to perform, external stressors like the pandemic, or poor mental and physical health. This is something everyone struggles with and sometimes the answer is different for each individual.
When it comes to important questions like this, it's important that we speak to those who specialize in mental and spiritual health. While I can share with you some verses and general suggestions, only someone who specializes in the well-being of others can truly assist you in the best way possible. Perhaps this is a pastor, trusted church leader, or a therapist. A great resource for connecting with someone is psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/Christian. Here you can find a local Christian counselor to speak with.
It is important to be aware of the fact that there are many things that go into a person feeling happy. Some of the most important things to focus on is your physical well-being as it can greatly impact your mental. Here are a few things you should consider.
1. Are you getting enough sleep? Getting too little or too much sleep can drastically affect our overall productivity and moods, so it's important to pay close attention to how you feel after a typical nights rest and adjust accordingly.
2. Are you eating the right food? If we do not get the necessary nutrients we need or we're having excess amounts of things like caffeine and sugar this can also cause mood issues.
3. Are you drinking plenty of water? We are 60% water and it is important to keep well hydrated so that the body can function as it needs to.
4. Are you getting enough fresh air and sunlight? Being stuck inside as most of us are these days can greatly impact even the most introverted of us. It's important to take a few minutes each day to get outside or open the windows.
5. Are you taking time to do things you love? Our minds are not made to be in constant work or stress mode. Its important to allow ourselves time to enjoy things we love like reading, painting, playing music, or taking the dog for a walk.
6. Are you exercising? This ties into going outside and doing things you love. Even if it's just going for a small walking or doing a handful of jumping jacks every hour. Sitting is becoming the silent killer so make sure you get your blood pumping everyday.
7. Are you setting aside time for your spiritual connection? This one is especially important as God is the one who created you and He knows exactly how you tick. When we allow ourselves to place our trust in Him it can feel like a weight is lifted from our shoulders. Talk with Him about what your feeling, ask Him to guide you in how to be happy, and ask His advice as you search for someone to speak with.
While these are all great tips for trying to optimize how we feel on a daily basis, its is by no means a fix all. Being depressed can feel like sitting at the bottom of a dark well with no way out and there may be days where it's hard to do any self care. Know that you are loved and understood. That there is a way to find happiness and I strongly encourage you to take that step and find a professional to speak with.
Praying for you.
