This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read the full disclosure here.
It’s likely that sometimes you get caught up in the daily grind, wondering how time flies. You spend hours on work and obligations that you rarely get to enjoy something you love—even the simplest joys, like relaxing over a cup of coffee.
You’re not alone in this. In our rapid world, it’s easy to forget to prioritize what truly makes you happy. But what if you could flip the script and start focusing more on the activities that bring you joy?
In this article, we have accumulated all the knowledge on how to do more of what makes you happy. If slowing down and integrating more fun and fulfillment in your life sounds good, then this one is for you!
Discover What Truly Makes You Happy
You want to do more of what makes you happy, but how do you figure out what that can be? Life can often become a whirlwind of obligations and routines, making it easy to lose sight of the activities that genuinely light you up.
Sometimes, it helps to break things down and look at your life from a new angle. Taking a step back and reflecting on your personal happiness can provide invaluable insights into how to lead a more fulfilling life.
Revisit Childhood Joys
Remember when you were a kid and life was simple? Think about the activities that used to light you up back then. Did you love painting, building with Legos, or playing outside until dark? These childhood passions can be a treasure trove of forgotten happiness. By reconnecting with these old favorites, you might just reignite some of that pure, unfiltered joy.
It’s time to recognize the needs of your inner child! So, go ahead and pick up your old hobbies. You’ll be surprised how much fun they can still bring you. Plus, they can often be easily integrated into your adult life, giving you a refreshing break from adult responsibilities.
Think About a Time in Your Life When You Felt Happiest
Think about a period in your life when you felt genuinely happy. What were you doing, who were you with, and what made that time special? Maybe it was a college semester abroad, a summer job you loved, or even a hobby you were deeply into.
Once you pinpoint the circumstances that brought you so much joy, it’s easier to incorporate them into your current life. Perhaps it wasn’t just the activity but the freedom or creativity evoked that brought you happiness.
For example, if you used to love the camaraderie and adventure of traveling, maybe it’s time to plan a mini-vacation or day trip. If you’ve missed the creativity of writing or painting, set aside some time each week to revive those passions. The clues to your happiness may lie in the details of your past!
Start Taking Detailed Notes When You Feel Really Happy
Next time you’re beaming from ear to ear, take note. What triggered that happiness? Was it the company of friends, a rewarding workout, or a delicious meal? Keeping a happiness journal can help you spot patterns. Start jotting down details every time you feel that burst of joy: the date, what you were doing, who you were with, and how it made you feel.
Over time, these notes will build a clear picture of your happiness triggers, making it easier to seek them out intentionally. This journal can be as simple or detailed as you like—consider including photos, sketches, or mementos from events that brought you happiness.
As you consistently record these joyful moments, you’ll start to see common threads, making it much easier to incorporate similar activities into your daily routine.
Make a List of the Things YOU Love
Grab a pen and paper. Make a list of everything that makes your heart sing. It could be anything from hiking to binge-watching your favorite TV show. Write it all down. Seeing your passions on paper can be an eye-opener. It reminds you of the simple joys you may have forgotten.
Once you have your list, start planning ways to fit more of these activities into your daily routine. Even if it’s just one small thing a day, it can make a huge difference in your overall mood.
For instance, if you love outdoor activities, create the habit of taking a walk in the park every afternoon. If you enjoy reading, set aside 15 minutes before bed for a good book.
Often, the smallest changes can lead to the biggest improvements in happiness, creating a ripple effect that brightens all areas of your life.
How To Do More Of What Makes You Happy
With the above techniques, you have all the tools to pinpoint what makes you happy. However, finding time for happiness can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Let’s change that.
Explore how to do more of what makes you happy with these nine practical tips and reap the physical and mental benefits of happiness.
Take Some Alone Time If Needed
Maybe you find it hard to do more of what makes you happy because you are constantly surrounded by people. If you are on the less assertive side or more on the people-pleasing side, it’s easy to get swept up in other people’s needs and wishes, and you rarely do what you want when you hang out with others. The solution: take some alone time!
Everyone needs a little me-time. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Carve out a slice of your day just for you, whether it’s binge-watching your favorite Netflix series or taking a walk in the park. This downtime helps you recharge and reflect. Alone time can be an opportunity to connect with your inner self, free from external distractions.
Doing so helps you avoid burnout and makes room for activities that bring you genuine joy. Don’t underestimate the power of solitude; it allows you to listen to your needs and preferences, something that’s crucial for long-term happiness.
Reevaluate Your Goals
One possible reason for being joy-deprived is that we don’t take our need for happiness seriously. You crave doing more of what makes you happy, but you never prioritize it. Do you see the paradox here?
Unfortunately, with how busy life is, we cannot rest assured that our plans will sort themselves out, leaving enough time for fun activities. So, why not make happiness your new goal among everything else that you wish to achieve?
While you’re at it, check into your other goals. Goals can sometimes turn into chores, stripping away the joy. If this is true for you, try decluttering them. Ask yourself, are they still relevant? Do they align with what truly makes you tick? Maybe it’s time to reassess and possibly ditch the ones that don’t spark joy.
You don’t always have to follow a rigid plan; life is fluid, and so should your goals. Dive deep and figure out what you genuinely want to accomplish. Forget about societal pressures and focus on what makes you feel fulfilled. Regularly fine-tuning your goals creates a clearer path toward happiness, making each day more satisfying and exciting.
Create A Balanced Life: Make Time For Your Passions
We are programmed to believe that pursuing our passions is anti-productive. However, a life without them lacks depth and color. This is your reminder that life isn’t just about ticking off tasks. Balance is key.
Make a genuine effort to squeeze in time for what lights your fire. If you love painting, block out Sunday afternoons for it. If yoga is your thing, make it your morning ritual. Real balance isn’t about dividing time equally; it’s about giving your passions room to breathe.
This balance makes you whole as a person, enriches your day, and keeps you enthusiastic. Also, pursuing your interests relieves stress and keeps you motivated. All these factors arm you with resilience and determination.
Therefore, creating time for fun things is more productive than having a one-dimensional life centered around to-do lists. Don’t let passions fade away in the hustle—cherish them and make them non-negotiable. You’ll find that a little bit of creativity and flexibility can work wonders.
Give Yourself Permission To Do Things That Make You Happy
Finding what makes you happy and doing it sounds simple, right? Have you forgotten about the familiar sense of guilt that knocks on your door every time you do something “not useful?”
We often forget to give ourselves the green light. You deserve to be happy. Drop the guilt. If a spontaneous beach trip is calling your name, answer it! Jump into activities that excite you without second-guessing. Society often places undue pressure on us to conform or adhere to schedules that don’t account for personal happiness.
The world’s expectations can wait—your happiness shouldn’t. Grant yourself the freedom to explore joyful experiences and watch how they transform your mindset. Start small, and gradually, you’ll become more comfortable with putting your happiness first.
Find Out What Makes You Unhappy And Try To Avoid It
We all have those mood-killers. Identify them. Whether it’s an overcrowded schedule or a toxic relationship, pinpoint what’s dragging you down. Taking an inventory of these stressors can be eye-opening and incredibly liberating.
Create boundaries, say no, and make choices that prioritize your well-being. Reducing or eliminating these sources of unhappiness gives you more emotional and mental bandwidth for the things you love. By eliminating these disruptors, you pave the way for more smiles and less stress. So, take stock, make changes, and protect your vibe.
Declutter Your House So Not All Your Time Goes To Tidying
Clutter is a sneaky enemy. It robs you of time, peace, and even your happiness. Decluttering your space can make a world of difference. Start small—tackle one room, or even just a drawer, at a time. Donate items you no longer need and organize what you keep.
A tidy home doesn’t just look good; it feels good and can significantly reduce stress. This newfound order saves you from constant tidying and frees up time for activities that make you happy.
So, roll up those sleeves and start purging! You’d be amazed at how much more spacious and calming your environment feels.
Focus On Experiences Over Possessions
Possessions are cool, but experiences… they’re priceless. Think about the last time a new gadget made you truly happy, compared to a memorable trip with friends. Experiences create lasting memories that enrich your life.
Plan a weekend getaway, invest in a new hobby, or simply spend quality time with loved ones. These moments will outshine any material item, leaving you with a heart full of joy.
Prioritizing experiences over possessions shifts your focus from transient satisfaction to long-lasting happiness, enriching both your life and relationships.
Stop Caring About What Others May Think Of You
It’s easier said than done, but oh-so worth it. People-pleasing is a roadblock to happiness. Let it go. Focus on what makes you feel good, not what impresses others. This means practicing self-acceptance and embracing your unique quirks and passions.
You’re living for yourself, not for the approval of everyone else. The moment you stop caring about others’ opinions, you unlock a new level of freedom and happiness. So, be unapologetically you!
Surround yourself with people who celebrate you and your interests, and you’ll find stepping into your own happiness becomes second nature.
Remove Time-Consuming Things From Your Life
Time’s precious. Spend it wisely. Identify and eliminate the time-suckers. Long commutes? Consider remote work or moving closer to your job. Endless social media scrolls? Set screen-time limits. These adjustments can free up significant chunks of time for what truly matters.
Use this newfound time to invest in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s learning a new skill, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. You’d be surprised how much more you can fit into your day when you eliminate unnecessary distractions.
By doing so, you not only reclaim your time but also enhance your overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Finding and prioritizing what makes you happy isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for a fulfilling life. Remember to reflect on what truly brings you joy and make it a regular part of your routine. Give yourself permission to pursue happiness without guilt and let go of anything that doesn’t serve your well-being.
By making these small yet meaningful changes, you’ll create a life that’s not only more balanced but also genuinely joyful. So go ahead—do more of what makes you happy and watch your life transform for the better.
