We have all seen the image of a person squatting with their eyes closed while meditating. Meditation isn't the only way to get to your happy place though! There are plenty of things you can do to relax and mentally escape any stress or anxiety you're dealing with. We've put together a handy list of things to do to take a trip to your personal happy place.
1- Practice meditation.
Imagine yourself in a place where you feel happy and content. Meditation, sometimes called "imagining," can be a really effective way to reduce anxiety and stress. Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. Take slow, deep breaths, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Think of a place where you used to be fun and quiet. Think of memories of feeling the place to help you connect with it.
For example, if you are thinking of a vacation you took at a lake, you might think about how the wind feels and what the water looks like.
Spend about 15 minutes meditating and breathing slowly and deeply.
2- Spend some time outside
Take a break and absorb some vitamin D. Go for a walk or take a relaxing walk. The sun can do wonders for your mood. Plus, a little exercise can make you feel better. It's a simple way to give your mind and body a happy boost. [4] It doesn't have to be anything important. Walking for 5 or 10 minutes can make all the difference.
3- Find a nice place to take a break.
Surround yourself with beauty. Make it a point to visit a space that gives you peace and happiness. Go somewhere like a botanical garden or a beautifully decorated room in your home - anywhere you think is beautiful. It can help you feel more relaxed and calm. [5] Try to set up a place in your home that you can use to go to your happy place. You can create a flower garden in your yard or decorate an additional room to feel comfortable and relaxing.
4- Do something you are passionate about.
Work on something that makes you happy. Going to your happy place does not necessarily mean that you are not working or busy. Sometimes spending time interacting with something you are passionate about can solve the problem. Set aside some time every day to work on a task, project, or activity that makes you happy, for example, if you love building things, you can start a small craft project like building a table or a birdhouse. Spending some time each day working on your project can be a happy place for you.
5- Re-read one of your favorite books.
Take a relaxing trip down memory lane. Reading a favorite book again can have some benefits. The simple act of reading can be relaxing and take your mind to another, happier place. If you're reading a book you already love, you'll be reminded of other times you're reading it, making the experience more enjoyable, for example, if it's been years since you've read a Harry Potter book, you might find yourself immediately moved (or left out, if you will) To the time when you were happily reading for the first time.