How to Find Lasting Happiness in Your Life – 5 Ways
By Jola @YolaYoga | October 22, 2021
Have you ever experienced true, lasting happiness?
This feeling of contentment is what we all look for every day.
Whether we look for happiness through a romantic relationship, career, or simply by eating a tasty meal – all these ways can give us a great deal of pleasure, and satisfaction but they may not last long. However, there are different ways to achieve that lasting contentment. Here are five simple yogic ways to find lasting happiness.
1. Be Grateful
It is so easy to be grateful! You just say out loud, what are you grateful for in your life! It is that simple! And I am sure there is at least one thing you have in your life to be thankful for. It could be a project you are working on or food you are just about to eat.
Study shows that the practice of gratitude is connected to greater happiness. When we practice gratitude, we feel more positive emotions, build healthy and strong relationships, easier deal with difficulties in life, and improve health.
Experiencing gratitude activates neurotransmitters like dopamine, which we associate with pleasure, and serotonin, which regulates our mood. It also causes the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone which induces feelings like trust and generosity which promotes social bonding, and feeling connected.
— AMY E. KELLER, PSYD
2. Help Others – Selfless Giving (Karma Yoga)
One of the most powerful tools to find lasting happiness is the practice of selfless service (Karma Yoga). You can do it either through volunteering your time or skill to underserved communities or just helping a friend or stranger in need.
The key here is to help others without expecting anything in return!
I volunteered yoga classes for underserved communities some time ago. This experience gave me lasting contentment, fulfillment, a real purpose in life, and a feeling of happiness even to this day!
3. Practice Yoga Asanas
Yoga poses not only release endorphins, but even a short practice of yoga poses may positively affect the vagal tone, making us feel more satisfied and happy. Studies show that increased vagal tone positively impacts our mental and physical health and our state of happiness.
Research has shown that people who practice yoga regularly have low cortisol levels, significantly reducing stress levels. The practice of yoga may help improve health and contributes to a greater sense of peace, fulfillment, and happiness.
4. Practice Breathing Exercises
Multiple studies have proven that breathwork has tremendous health benefits. It can
- Reduce stress and anxiety levels
- Counter negative thoughts
- Heal emotional pain and trauma
- Increase joy and happiness
- Boost immunity
5. Practice Meditation
Meditation can increase your levels of feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin. Studies also indicate it may increase your capacity for happiness and reduce your propensity towards negativity.
Numerous medical studies have shown that meditation greatly reduces anxiety and stress, improves concentration, and increases happiness.
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