I’ve always wanted to become happier.

But do I take my happiness seriously? Not really. I generally wake up in a good mood; however, sometimes I get irritable or stressed or disappointed the rest of the day.

Again, I don’t take my happiness seriously, but guess what? Neither do you.

I know, I know. You probably disagree. You wish you could show me the things you do, the mantras you say, and the self-care you practice just so you can find some happiness within yourself and share it with the world.

I do that too. I wake up every morning and say, “Today is going to be a good day. Today I won’t get stressed out. Today I will be unconditionally happy. Today…today…today…”

Today finally comes and life happens and I end up saying today was an awful day and I was so damn stressed out. All my spiritual practices vanish into thin air, and I forget all my mantras and self-care exercises.

Happiness is a serious business for human beings. We can’t just say we want to be happy and go about our day. The truth is, bad, unfavorable things are bound to happen in life, but we need to be prepared. We need to learn how to act instead of react and maintain emotional balance.

How do we break the cycle of wanting to be happy but never actually getting there?

There are some things we need to stop doing:

1. Stop trying to reach perfection. (You can’t reach it and you won’t.)

2. Stop doing the things that you don’t love—including your job.

3. Stop being a people pleaser and establish firm, healthy boundaries.

4. Stop staying indoors for too long. Go out for a walk to get some fresh air and sunlight.

5. Stop staying in unhappy relationships. It is better to be “alone” than to be miserable with someone.

6. Stop making friends with the wrong people.

7. Stop using screens so much; go back to reality.

8. Stop waiting for others to make you happy. (Real happiness comes from within.)

9. Stop wanting to be someone else or live someone else’s life. You’re amazing just the way you are.

10. Stop setting unrealistic goals for yourself. Cut yourself some slack.

11. Stop eating junk food and eat healthy instead. It’s better for you—and the planet. 

12. Stop thinking about yourself and start thinking of others too.

13. Stop overthinking and focus on the present moment.

14. Stop hanging on to the past. You can’t keep living in it, but you can definitely learn from it and accept it.

15. Stop thinking too low of yourself. Be confident and genuinely believe that you’re worthy.

16. Stop complaining and practice gratitude instead.

17. Stop being idle, and please start moving. It will change your life.

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