10 Ways to Cultivate a Happier Life

1. Practice Contentment

As mentioned, contentment helps us cultivate a happier life. If we are always thinking about what we don't have, we will never be content with what we do have. In your own life, do you practice contentment? Or is it a daily struggle?

Paul tells us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

Challenge yourself to be content regardless of your situation, whether you are doing well or not. When we struggle with contentment, we must remember that we have the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. God is our Comforter, Provider, and Savior. Because we have Him, we have everything. Look at what you do have and pay no mind to the things you do not.

Photo Credit: GettyImages/jupiterimages

2. Spend Time with God and Grow in Your Relationship with Him

If we want to be content in our present lives, we must spend time with God and cultivate our relationship with Him. Most of the time, what we lack in our lives is God. Think about it: perhaps you are married, have a family, and a strong purpose in life, but you still feel unhappy. It could be because you don't have a strong relationship with God.

Start spending time with Him every day in Bible reading and prayer. When you talk with Him in prayer, be honest with your feelings. God cares about all your feelings; don't feel like you have to sugarcoat anything (1 Peter 5:7). God already knows what is on your heart, but He wants you to talk with Him anyway. This acknowledges your dependence on Him and strengthens your bond with Him.

As you are studying the Bible, take time to slow down and genuinely soak in the Word of God. Avoid rushing over passages; instead, read one verse, passage, or chapter at a time. Ensure you are taking time to fully digest the Word. Once you have fully understood it, you will be able to apply it to your life.

Peter tells us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). The more you grow in your relationship with God, the happier your life will be. Rather than feeling empty or hopeless, you will be full of life, hope, and love. Praise be to God for His amazing blessings!

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema

3. Spend Time Outside

Most of us spend the majority of our day inside. This can be due to many things, such as working on a computer, not having a yard, or being afraid to try something new. While we don't need to uproot our lives to have more time outside, we do need to take time to spend outside every day. Being outside will make us feel happier and improve our overall well-being. Being trapped in a stuffy house all day will only make us cranky and irritable.

Think about a few things you would like to do outside this week. Perhaps you could start a garden, go on a nature walk, or go biking with a friend. If you have a porch, you could sit outside for 20-30 minutes and soak up the sun. Regardless of the weather or temperature, make sure you are taking time to get outside each day. Your mind, body, and heart will thank you.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/noblige

4. Exercise Daily

Speaking of which, exercise is a natural mood booster. Rather than sitting inside in front of a television, what would your daily life look like if you took out 30 minutes a day to exercise? You could do any exercise that you want, such as swimming, dancing, or gymnastics. Exercise shouldn't be a burden or something you dread; instead, it should be a healthy way to relax.

A few additional ideas for exercise include walking, jogging, cycling, skateboarding, or playing a sport. If you want to play a sport, recruit the help of your family and friends. You could play volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, or bowling. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore; instead, it can be great fun.

Photo Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

5. Find Purpose

Sadly, many of us feel downtrodden because we lack purpose. This could be caused by not having a fulfilling job, being single, or not knowing that your worth is found in Christ. God has a wonderful purpose for your life — a purpose that only you can fulfill (Ephesians 2:10). Rather than running from your purpose, ask God to reveal it to you.

In the same way, remind yourself that your worth is found in Christ, not in the things of this world (Colossians 2:9-10). Unfortunately, even among other Christ followers, many people believe our purpose is found in getting married, having a family, or landing a successful job. These things can be wonderful gifts, but they are not where we should find our purpose or worth.

Our purpose and worth are in Christ alone. If this ever becomes a struggle, talk with the Lord in prayer; ask Him to help you see yourself as He does. He will guide your path and ensure you grasp the wonderful life He died to give you. Glory belongs to Him forever!

Photo Credit: Unsplash Saulo Mohana

6. Try Something New Every Day

A happier life will not happen without trying something new. If you do the same things day after day, then life will no longer be exciting. Get out of the rut; challenge yourself to do something new every day, such as going to a pottery class, meeting up with a friend, or trying a new recipe. There are endless ways to try something new! What will you try today?

7. Get Creative

Craft time is not only for kids; it is also for adults. When was the last time you made something creative just because you wanted to? Sadly, many of us have not made a craft since we were in school. If we want to cultivate a happier life, we must get creative. Pull out your favorite markers, paints, and colored pencils, and create a masterpiece!

Being creative reflects our being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Stop hiding your creativity; let it shine! Make something with your own two hands, such as a drawing, a painting, or a pottery piece. Find joy in life again, make something beautiful, and keep the memories for a lifetime.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/YakubovAlim

8. Invest in Friendships

Life is not meant to be spent alone; instead, we need to be around other people. In your own life, how often do you connect with others? If you don't get out much, challenge yourself to make a phone call to a friend this week. But if you are within driving distance, try to meet up for lunch or coffee.

Investing in friendships will bring much happiness and joy into your life. Never underestimate the beautiful power of a friendship. Friends are there when you cry, fail, or succeed. Praise God for bringing wonderful friends into our lives!

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Rawpixel

9. Focus on Memories, Not Money

Focusing on money will only steal our joy. This is why we must focus on memories. In the long run, memories will always be more important. We cannot take money with us when we pass away, but we can take memories. Therefore, focus on forming memories; avoid being overly consumed with money.

10. Adopt a Pet

If you can, adopting a pet can do wonders for your happiness. Rather than feeling overlooked, forgotten, or not needed, a pet will help you feel like you belong and are loved. Choose a pet you would like, such as a dog, cat, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, a fish, or a salamander. After you adopt your new pet, you will begin to reap the benefits of a happier life!

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/khoa vu