Five Steps to a happier life
My friends, I am going to share with you five things that have served me well in 2017. These are simple habits which I have either picked up from someone else or adopted them after reading self-help books. Hopefully, through these simple tips, we can have an even better 2018! :)
1. Regular Exercise
Most people underestimate the importance of regular exercise, which comes with a myriad of benefits. It not only enables one to keep their physical body in shape, it also relieves stress. If you look good, you are likely to feel good. If you feel good, you are likely to do good. In the long run, you will enjoy a better quality of life and higher self-esteem.
Three happily successful friends have reminded me of the importance of regular exercise. “If you don't make time for exercise, you are making time for illness”.
2. Living within your means
Most of my peers today have worked hard to enjoy a certain level of lifestyle. It could be dining choices, mode of transport or even travel plans they make every year; just to name a few. To achieve this desired lifestyle, generally more than 50 percent of them may compromise their long term financial well being.
The truth about money is that it generally takes a few years to build up a meaningful amount e.g. $100k. We are not even taking into account inflation and the lack of job security these days. (You can trust me on this, I have been a recruiter for the last 6 years.) The amount of money you have in your bank account can give you the confidence and flexibility to deal with the stress of living in Singapore.
3. Staying away from negative people
One of the easiest way to be positive is to stay away from negative people. Do I even have to say that? The truth is we tend to have people in our social circles whom are always complaining and possess a negative outlook about life. Have you ever experienced feeling emotionally drained and lousy when catching up with these people?
These are "Energy vampires" and I urge you to take flight when you see them, or even better, parachute them away from your life.
4. Stop being busy being "busy"
How many of us here are guilty of jampacking our schedule? Is it really necessary to go out every weekend or participate in events which you may not even enjoy? Learn to value your time. Make time for yourself and your loved ones. Have sufficient rest and spend some time alone. Be kind to yourself! ;)
“If you are not kind to yourself, who will?”
5. Volunteering
One of the easiest ways to make new friends, learn new skills and cultivate gratitude is through volunteering. I can testify this after volunteering for 7 years . It has not only taught me to put things into perspective and also tampers my expectations of life. Our society has glamorise the rich and famous; in so doing has painted a facade about the reality of life.
Helping people through volunteering can really make one happier. If you don't believe, try it!
Edited by Natsha Tan and Chiang Pei Yin