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The 10 Best Tips On How To Be Happy With Yourself

In today’s world, there is a lot of pressure to constantly chase an ideal version of happiness that causes a lot of people to struggle with their mental health. 

Whether it’s social media showing us happy people with seemingly perfect lives or the pressure to maintain a positive mindset during hard times, it can be tough to find our own sense of happiness.

The truth is, happiness looks different for everyone. We’re social creatures, but that doesn’t mean we should rely on others or the media to define what happiness should be. 

Real happiness comes from within, and the first step to a happier life is discovering what brings you true happiness. Whether it’s spending time in your own company, engaging in physical activity, or trying new things that push you out of your comfort zone, the key is to focus on what works for you.

Chasing someone else’s idea of happiness is not the best way to find your own. Comparing ourselves to others is thief of joy, leading to more negative thoughts and low self-esteem. Instead, take a deep breath, and start embracing the little things that bring you joy. By making small changes and focusing on the present moment, you can improve your overall level of happiness and find true satisfaction in your life life.

But for some people, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Which is why I have put together these 10 tips on how to be happy with yourself. These tips are designed to help you make positive changes in your life, focus on the most important things, and discover your true self along the way!

What Does It Mean to Be Happy With Yourself?

If you’re wondering how to be happy with yourself, the first thing to explore is what happiness truly means for you. Happiness isn’t just about experiencing positive emotions or avoiding negative ones. It’s about finding a sense of purpose and life satisfaction where you feel content, joyful, and at peace with your daily life.

Engaging in social activities or treating yourself to something nice can improve your mood for a short time, but what we really need is to wake up every day with a sense of happiness that sticks around. This involves making healthy choices, such as regular exercise, maintaining healthy relationships, and practicing mindfulness.

There’s a common misconception that happiness is only attainable by those who seem to have it all: the perfect job, a lot of money, and an ideal family. This idea often leads to negative self-talk and feelings of anxiety, especially when we compare ourselves to others. But real happiness doesn’t come from external achievements. It comes from within!

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, try to start by appreciating the good things in your life. Small steps like keeping a gratitude journal can make a big difference in shifting your emotional state and boosting your positive self-image. 

Building meaningful connections with others and practicing self-care are also important steps toward your own happiness.

Being happy with yourself means becoming your own best friend, accepting your true self, and embracing the small things that bring you joy every day. 

a woman with an umbrella

10 Ways How to Find Happiness With Yourself

Now that we’ve explored what it means to be happy with yourself, I want to share 10 practical ways that you can find happiness with yourself. Use these tips to embrace positive changes in your life and nurture your well-being. It’s time for you to discover your own path to happiness!

#1. Find a Job That You Love

Work plays a significant role in our daily lives, so it’s no surprise that it impacts our happiness. If you’re stuck in a job you dislike, it’s only natural to feel negative emotions. 

The good news? You have the power to change that! 

Finding a job you love can boost your energy levels and improve your overall well-being. While making a career change might involve some discomfort, it’s an important step toward a healthier life and lasting happiness. You can read more about my story for inspiration if you need some support while making this decision in your own life!

Take some time to identify what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs, to find your path to a happy life.

#2. Develop Healthy Habits By Prioritizing Yourself

Prioritizing your physical health and developing a healthy life can have a positive impact on your overall happiness. When you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly, your energy levels increase, and your negative emotions decrease. 

Simple steps like a daily walk or getting enough rest can make a big difference in your emotional state. By focusing on these small, healthy choices, you’ll create a solid foundation for a happier life with a better sense of mental well-being.

#3. Stop Chasing Others’ Ideas of Happiness

To find happiness within yourself, start by examining where your idea of happiness comes from. Are you chasing someone else’s definition, or is it truly your own?

It’s common to feel pressure from friends and family, but it’s crucial to set boundaries and prioritize your own happiness. Effective communication and self-awareness are key. Remember, focusing on your personal happiness and ignoring external pressures is a powerful tool for emotional well-being and a more satisfying life.

#4. Take a Social Media Break

Social media may seem like a source of endless joy, it can seriously impact your happiness in a very serious and very negative way. Constantly comparing your life to others’ highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness. Taking a break from social media allows you to focus on your own life and connect with your true sense of happiness. 

social media icons

#5. Stop Buying Stuff to Find Happiness

To find happiness within yourself, it’s essential to realize that buying things doesn’t lead to true contentment. 

Corporations are great at convincing us that their products can fill a void in our lives, but the truth is that true happiness comes from within, not from the purchases we make. Instead, focus on building a sense of purpose and joy through meaningful activities and experiences.

two people shopping

#6. Practice Gratitude Regularly

Practicing gratitude regularly is a powerful tool that can have a profound positive impact on your overall happiness. Focusing on the simple things and appreciating good news in your daily life will have you feel happier about your life in general. 

Try keeping a gratitude journal and practice recognizing the positive impact every little joy can bring. This will help you improve your emotional state and build an overall happier life.

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Check out our collection of gratitude list ideas if you need some inspiration!

a beautiful fall day

#7. Be Happy With Who You Are

To truly be happy within yourself, it’s essential to be happy with the beautiful, imperfect person that you are. In a world that makes us feel like we are not enough, it’s easy to lose sight of what you love about yourself. 

The most effective way to become happy with who you are is to build confidence and start embracing yourself for your imperfections. Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection was a powerful resource that helped me let go of my perfectionism and make self love one of my core beliefs.

Available in: print | digital | audiobook

Check out our summary of The Gifts of Imperfection to get the ball rolling and learn more!

the gifts of imperfection brené brown

#8. Get Inspired to Look Inwards and Build Your Self-Esteem

It can be difficult to look inward and see how to be happy with yourself. Whether you realize it or not, you are an amazing person that has many great qualities. It is just a matter of taking the time to look inwards.

Making positive affirmations for self-love part of your self-care routine on a daily basis is a good way to build up your self-esteem and make you feel happier about your good qualities.

#9. Be Present

It can be difficult to stop and be present in the moment with all of the demands on our time. We spend so much of our time keeping busy that we often miss the small and beautiful moments life offers us.

Taking the time to have an intentionally present moment with ourselves and our loved ones is a wonderful way to find happiness within. Try putting the screens away, say no to things you don’t want to do, and focus your energy on just being present without letting your mind wander.

#10. Stop Complaining!

As someone with years of experience with complaining, I can safely say that complaining was one of the biggest reasons that I struggled to find happiness with myself. But, with some hard work, I learned how to say goodbye to complaints!

How you react to challenges is a choice. Instead of dwelling on what’s wrong, practice using a growth mindset by seeking opportunities for growth. Embrace gratitude and take responsibility for your experiences. Focus on what you can improve on and appreciate each silver lining. Before long you’ll find yourself with a healthier mindset and a more fulfilling life.

happy face

Finding Happiness Within Starts with You

If you truly want to learn how to be happy with yourself, these 10 tips will help you get started looking inward. But remember that happiness isn’t something anyone else can define for you. 

My goal with these tips isn’t to tell you how to be happy, or what happiness is. Instead, these tips will help you understand how to focus your search for long-lasting happiness in the right place. And that place is within yourself.

We face a lot of stress and distractions in today’s world, so it’s easy to overlook our inner happiness. So start by choosing a few of these tips and giving yourself the alone time to explore them. Whether it’s connecting with a family member or building meaningful social connections, every small step contributes to your personal growth.

With practice, you can reshape your mindset and strengthen your happiness immune system to better cope with negative feelings. Happiness can feel like it is taking a long time to find, but it’s a journey well worth starting!

If you are looking for more tips on finding happiness within, check out our collection of choose happiness quotes!

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family on social media! If you know someone who you think would benefit from finding happiness with themselves, this could be what they need to complete their search!


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