Happiness never goes out of fashion. We are driven towards happiness because it feels good and gives meaning to our lives. Has your happiness level been diminished lately? There is no better time than this moment for a happiness tune-up.

Here are the ingredients for a modern happiness recipe:

• Curate a Media Diet: Be intentional about online content consumption. Unfollow accounts that stir feelings of inadequacy and prioritize those that inspire, educate, or bring joy. Set boundaries for screen time to create space for meaningful offline experiences.
• Practice Mindful Consumption, Not Comparison: Social media often fosters unhealthy comparisons. Shift focus from comparing to appreciating — celebrate personal unique journey and achievements. Practice gratitude for what we have rather than focusing on what we lack.
• Invest in Relationships, Not Things: Deep connections with family, friends, and community are key to happiness. Make time for genuine conversations, shared experiences, and acts of kindness. Studies show relationships contribute more to long-term happiness than material possessions. Invest in experiences and memory-making over objects.
• Live with Purpose and Meaning: Reflect on what truly matters most and align personal goals and actions with those values. A clear sense of purpose provides direction and motivation, enhancing happiness and resilience in challenging times. Having passion and purpose in our daily lives makes us more productive and boosts happiness and life satisfaction.
• Cultivate Lifelong Learning and Curiosity: Embrace a growth mindset by learning new skills, exploring interests, and engaging with different perspectives. Pursuing curiosity can increase our sense of purpose and keep life exciting, even when things are challenging.
• Prioritize Mental and Physical Well-being: Happiness thrives when the body and mind are nurtured. Incorporate regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation. Seek help if you’re struggling — acknowledging emotions is a strength, not a weakness.
• Practice Gratitude and Appreciation: Take time each day to reflect on the good things in life, no matter how small. Acknowledge the moments when things go right, and express appreciation for the people and experiences that bring you joy. Gratitude rewires the brain for positivity and enhances overall happiness.
• Happiness may feel elusive, but the recipe for boosting life satisfaction and contentment is within everyone’s grasp. Gift yourself a happiness tune-up through simple day-to-day awareness practices focusing on what goes right versus wrong. Attitude and action are everything.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: The Happiness Tuneup: Recipes for the Good Life with Stephanie Harrison MA or wherever you get your podcasts.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Stephanie Harrison is a renowned expert in the science of happiness and the creator of the New Happy philosophy. She has a master’s degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she later taught.

The author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong, Stephanie’s work has been featured in Forbes and Harvard Business Review.

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