How to Make Adulthood the Best and Happiest Time in Your Life
Most of us have very busy lives, with to-do lists full of tasks for just one week. It’s no surprise that many people keep pushing happiness farther away. It’s time to change that.
Create a list of what makes you, you. Include all the things you like about yourself. Building a strong sense of self-worth helps you rely less on outside praise, like fashion trends, compliments, or likes.
Our lives are always changing. Friends come and go, social groups grow and shrink. The key is to stay connected with a few close, loved ones. Their support can make you feel better.
Research shows this is true. A study found women aged 31 to 77 who see friends weekly are happier than those who meet loved ones only a few times a year.
If you often think, “I will be happy when…,” you’re caught in what’s called the “happiness race.” This is a common reason people feel their happiness is out of reach.
Even when you reach a goal—like a new job, a new home, or new clothes—you often start thinking, “What’s next?” You may never be totally satisfied. That’s okay. You don’t have to stop reaching for goals. But don’t judge yourself only by what you achieve.
Instead, ask yourself why you do things. Is it for your kids? To live comfortably? To write a book that helps others? Or to hold a high position and make a difference? Finding your purpose can remind you what life is really about.
Having strong friends and feeling like you belong also boost happiness. Joining a book club, playing games with neighbors, or doing activities together help create that feeling.
Experts say social ties are one of the best signs of lifelong happiness. If talking to strangers makes you nervous, try starting small. Over time, you’ll get to know people better and feel more part of your community.
Many believe that material things can make us happy. Buying something new or getting an order feels great at first. But that feeling usually fades fast.
True happiness comes from different things. Moments that take your breath away—like being in nature—bring joy. Laughter, even from funny videos, learning something new, or discovering something new also add to happiness.
Try to add more of these moments to your life. They are key to feeling truly happy.