One of the best things you can do to prepare for your next relationship is to learn to be happier. The happier you can become, the better. Being happy is attractive, shows security, and will help a future relationship successfully get off the ground running and nurture it from there. Of course, being happier is also important for your overall quality of life as well. Therefore, becoming happier is an excellent goal for many reasons.
Elements of Happiness:
In the classic book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, the idea is given that to be healthy, happy, and balanced, four areas of life need to be regularly addressed and fulfilled:
Physical Health: To be physically healthy involves good regular eating, sleeping, and exercise. Another element of physical health involves moderate relaxation. If you relax too much, you will feel lethargic, sluggish, and low energy. Conversely, if you relax too little, you will feel worn down and eventually exhausted. Also, in addition to following the Word of Wisdom: avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, it is also important to take your prescription medications (if any) as prescribed. It is hard to feel emotionally healthy and happy if you feel physically unhealthy and your body is suffering. Care for your body like the temple it is.
Social Health: when the key relationships in your life are regularly attended to and these relationships are basically healthy and positive, these connections help promote happiness. Having someone to date, as well as having other positive and regular associations with the opposite sex helps a lot as singles. Beyond that, connections with family of origin, extended family, friends, coworkers, ward members, strangers, and acquaintances all make for important connections as well. Isolation and neglected/unhealthy/abusive relationships lead to feelings like depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Conversely, healthy, positive relationships promote connection, belonging, and overall happiness.
Read the rest of the article on the Elements of Happiness here!
