20 Key Actions that Make You Happier and Healthier

Understanding the true meaning of "less is more" is highly important to have clarity about where we are and where we want to go in life. The principle of "less is more" varies based on a person's values and beliefs, and on certain situations, too. Less does not imply the absence of valuable and meaningful things in our lives.

It is easy to tell where our hearts are when we reflect on the things that we say more and do more. Less implies simplicity, not mediocrity.

"What we do speaks louder than what we say; this is the power of action"

The principle of "less is more" also applies to our behaviors and attitudes. We are perfectly imperfect human beings. The good news is that we can learn to become people of excellence and a positive influence in this world.

What we do speaks louder than what we say; this is the power of action. We may have great intentions, though without acting on our intentions all is meaningless.

Anytime of the year is a good time to make resolutions, set goals, and start new habits.

It is the beginning of a new year and it is a tradition to make resolutions. This is a good time to reflect on our lives and take account of what we have done with it so far, what we need and we want to do with it moving forward.

Though not everyone follows traditions, and that is completely fine. Any time of the year is always a good time to make resolutions, set goals, and start new habits by taking action.

Here are 20 actions to be happier and healthier:

1. Criticize less

We tend to tell people what they did wrong and point out their mistakes. This, far from helping them, lowers their morale and discourages them. We need to be more encouraging and provide objective and thoughtful feedback instead.

2. Gossip less

Speaking negatively or unpleasantly about others when they are not present, it's gossip. Gossiping harms our reputation and trustworthiness. We need to be more respectful and build others up instead. 

3. Hate less

Hating others is more damaging to us than to others. It has been scientifically proven that holding onto hate contributes to developing cancer. We need to be more understanding, forgiving and loving instead. 

4. Stress less

Stressing out is part of life. What is not normal is allowing our levels of stress to get out of control. There are things that we can and can't control. We need to be more kind to ourselves and focus on what matters most to us instead.

5. Envy less

Resenting others for who they are and for the things they possess is envy. This shows that we are not happy with ourselves. We need to be more grateful for what we have in our lives and never take anything for granted instead. 

6. Complain less

Complaining implies negativity. When we tend to talk about the same things over and over in a negative way, we are complaining. We need to reflect on the good things that have happened to us and talk about them instead.

7. Reject less

There are no superpowers in any of us. Relying totally on ourselves leads to stress, weariness, and resentment towards others. We need to be more open-minded and more accepting of the help that others may offer us instead.

8. Frown less

Frowning takes more effort than smiling. Many times, we are not aware of how much we frown. Frowning makes us look unfriendly. We need to be more conscious of our body language and aim to smile more.

 9. Overthink less

When we overthink, confusion and doubt arise; and they can create unnecessary stress and anxiety in us. We need to engage in fun activities and exercise more often to combat the recurring and negative thoughts instead. 

10. Assume less

Assuming things leads to misunderstandings and trouble at times, it also shows a lack of responsibility in us. We need to be more aware of the danger of this bad habit and clear things up before any assumption is made.

11. Judge less

It is easier to see what others do wrong than to see this in ourselves. Judging others before we look at ourselves for what we are is a character flaw. We need to be more compassionate to others and more mindful of our flaws. 

12. Hurt less

Our words and actions have the power to hurt others if we are not careful about it. Everything that goes around comes around. We need to be more prudent and kinder, and not pay evil with evil instead.

13. Lie less

There is no such truth as half-truths, small truths, or white lies. A lie is a lie. The more lies we tell to others, and to ourselves, the more we get used to this lifestyle. We need to be more honest in what we do and what we say instead.

14. Worry less

It is true that saying something is easier than acting on it. Nonetheless, worrying excessively can rob us of our joy. It is normal to worry to some extend. We need to believe more and have more faith instead.

15. Impress less

Trying to impress others all the time is exhausting physically and emotionally. It is good to examine the reasons why we want to continually impress people. We need to be more humble and true to ourselves instead.

16. Offend less

In life, not everything goes as we plan it. If people whom we love, admire, and respect fail us at something, we do not need to resource to being offensive to them. We need to be more forgiving and understanding instead.

17. Blame less

Taking responsibility for our own actions shows maturity in us; blaming others for things that went wrong shows a lack of maturity. We need to be more thoughtful and take a step back and not react to any given situation instead.

18. Ignore less

How many times do we come to the office and not greet the people we bump into? We are distracted or simply lack manners. We need to be more friendly and well-mannered with others instead. 

19. Pretend less

It is a hard job to try to be like someone else. We will never be successful at it and as a consequence, we will feel exhausted, frustrated, and never satisfied. We need to be more genuine and embrace our uniqueness instead.

20. Yell less

Yelling at work, at home, at school, and everywhere is disrespectful. If our objective is to get someone's attention, constantly yelling makes us a bully. We need to be more reasonable and more polite to others instead.

We all benefit from doing less of the negative things and more of the positive ones. Making this a habit will enhance our lives and the lives of those around us.

If we want to grow in life and develop good relationships, personally and professionally, we need to continually work at it. After all, life mostly consists of relationships.

We have the power to live more meaningfully, more healthy, and more at peace with ourselves and with others. 

What action listed above is hard for you to do and why? Please share in the comments section below. May this new year be a prosperous one for you!!!

Other Posts by Ivette K. Caballero 

16 Priceless Things to Do More in 2016 to Live to the Fullest

This Habit Determines How Successful You Are and Will Be

12 Habits to Finish 2015 Strong and Begin 2016 Stronger

3 Major Things to Never Forget During Failure

10 Reminders to Best Cope with Change in Business and in Life

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