The title of this post may seem obvious but many people don’t understand the importance of doing more of what makes you happy. I’m speaking from life experiences in this post hoping it will help push you to follow your passions.
What makes you happy can be in hidden places
In 2008 a nasty recession hit. At the time I was still in college and didn’t really understand the full blown effects of a recession or what that meant for so many Americans.
Things were tough for many people, the housing market crashed, forcing people out of their homes and major companies went out of business, resulting in major job losses.
In December 2009, right in the middle of a recession, I graduated from Ohio State University. I was so proud, so sick and had a cute little bump that was just beginning to pop out.
I remember my pregnancy hormones causing me to be overly emotional and moody during that time.
At my graduation, I was trying not to cry because I had achieved what I didn’t think was possible for someone who never really got great grades in school.
I made it, I graduated with that piece of paper that is now sitting in my office next to my honey’s. The feeling of joy was overwhelming, and I loved how proud my parents were.
I remember telling my little baby bump “we did it, baby girl, we did it and you’re going to walk across that stage with me.” Man, that felt so insanely special to carry my unborn daughter in my belly with me everywhere that day.
It still makes me emotional today that for once in my life I didn’t feel alone or like an outsider, I had my baby girl with me and we were going to celebrate together.
I could have let the recession and fighting over $10 an hour jobs get me down during this time in my life but my baby girl made everything better before I even met her.
Happiness shows up in unexpected and hidden places sometimes, you just have to look for it.
Productivity boosts happiness
Have you ever noticed how much more productive you are when you’re happy? Maybe you take a day off here and there to enjoy being care free but I’m always more productive when I’m happy.
I don’t know about you but I feel more inclined to want to help someone (ok, I always want to help people – but more!) when I’m happy. This doesn’t just apply in our day to day home life.
I find myself more productive at work when I’m feeling happy as well.
I discovered that one of the best things you can do for a productive and well-balanced day is create a morning routine to get yourself centered. I am not a morning person AT ALL, so this was a little scary and I was completely skeptical of it but you can read more about it here.
Happiness and health
Have you guys seen the documentary Supersize Me? This guy takes on a challenge where he can only eat McDonald’s for a month. Every day he orders every single meal from McDonald’s.
Guess what the end result is after a month? Weight gain, anxiety and depression! We are truly happier when we eat healthier (don’t get me wrong, I still love some fried food and junk food). I want to eat healthy when I’m happy anyway!
One of the best things I have done for myself is cut gluten and dairy from my diet after years of stomach issues. I wrote a whole post on it for you here.
I had to learn the hard way our bodies need the right foods to be nourished and carry us through life.
I’m not suggesting you cut these things out but I am suggesting doing what is best for your health; mental and physical!
Summary – what makes you happy?
Where do you find happiness? Doing what makes you happy not only contributes to your mental health but also your physical health.
Share your thoughts with me in the comments or on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook. Follow me while you’re at it, I love to connect!
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This post was originally published 11/6/2018. It has since been updated to include new information and links.