Happiness Resources
Happiness is a relationship with life. Happiness is individual. Happiness is understanding what it means for ourselves, as an individual, and being true to that.
Happiness is the purpose of our lives.
Being happy does not mean the absence of sadness.
Life is full of many emotions.
We can remain happy in the face of sadness
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
Dalai Lama
Understanding You
The first step to happiness is understanding yourself. Noticing your feelings and acknowledging them. Noticing your body and how it feels. Acknowledging feelings of over-whelm and realising when you need to seek the support of a professional to help you work it all out. Be kind to yourself.
Think about what you love. Perhaps you have never given much thought to what you enjoy or what makes you happy.
A good place to start is to understand what the people in one of the happiest countries (Finland) in the world say; reading. In Helsinki ,the capital, they have 40 public libraries. Some of the worlds best! The Oodi library was opened in 2018 a day before Finland marked its 101 anniversary of independence and was described as the nations birthday gift to its citizens. Libraries are like food for the soul. There is something special about reading a book, or indeed listening to an audio book.
Go outdoors and enjoy nature. Take your time, look around. Breath it in. Humans have a innate connection with nature. We need to see it, feel it, belong to it. The great advancements we have made as a human race have been amazing. However, in our pursuit for knowledge, technology, money and “stuff” many people have lost their connection with nature. This can be seen everywhere with our exploitation of nature and generation of waste. Our distance from nature has an effect on our mental well-being and our sense of belonging. In Finland many popular activities are based in nature.
Creativity, art and culture are said to enrich our lives, whether that be looking at or creating yourself. Creativity is said to enrich our emotional self and certainly there is much anecdotal evidence to support this. Do have a go. Enjoy the freedom of creating. If you do not feel confident to start from scratch, invest in a (adult) colouring book. Let that inner child come alive and be satisfied.
Music and Dance. Listening to music has proven effects on our mood. Music which is upbeat and happy promotes the release of the chemical dopamine in our body, which improves mood and reduces anxiety. Music has also been known to help reduce the production of the stress-hormone cortisol. Add in some activity, dancing, and you have your own little bundle of happiness right there! How many of us have become too self-aware to enjoy the pleasures of dancing and singing? Perhaps we are restricted by a disability or illness? It is OK, do what works for you. Little is better than none.
Meditation and Mindfulness. You will know by now if you have taken a good look at our website that we are pretty heavily into meditation and mindfulness. We believe in the power of breath. The skill of learning to observe our own emotions, without engaging in them. The benefit of seeking support and healing to maintain our mental well-being equilibrium. We know how easy it is to become out of balance in this fast paced world. We have experienced heart-break. We know that to remain happy we must focus on being happy. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” Dalai Lama
Positive close relationships are important in everyone’s lives. It is amazing to many to know that loneliness in this world of communication is a serious problem affecting all age groups. Positive close relationships play an important part in our lives. Research suggests that positive relationships make people happier and are associated to longer, healthier lives. Relationships are connected to some of our strongest emotions. So be aware that negative relationships will have the reverse effect. Part of most positive relationships will also bring the positive effects of touch. Touch is a human need and one that is increasingly lacking in many peoples lives, particularly people who are bereaved. Aromatherapy and Massage can really help meet this need. “No other form of communication is as universal as touch. The compassionate touch of a hand or a reassuring hug can take away our fears, soothe our anxiety, and fill the emptiness of being lonely” Randi G Fine
Volunteer. We have many volunteering opportunities at The Happy Healing Hut CIC. Volunteering to support others is a way to exchange positive energy. What you give out, you will surely receive in return.
Get in touch with us, email: hello@thehappyhealinghut.com
Healthwatch Surrey
Healthwatch Surrey is a local health and social care champion supporting the residents of Surrey to have their voices heard. If you have recent experiences of using health or care services, or perhaps you care for someone else who has, we would love to hear from you. Your voice is vital in ensuring that services are shaped by those who use them, so that you and others get the right care.
You can contact our Helpdesk for free, independent, impartial information and advice at:
Telephone: 0303 303 0023
Text (SMS): 07592 787 533
Email: enquiries@healthwatchsurrey.co.uk
Website: www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk
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