Become aware of your physical, emotional and mental condition. Many people go through their daily routines without intentional awareness of their own state of being. Pay attention to your emotional highs and lows. Are there particular moments in the day when you feel a drop in energy or an onset of sadness or restlessness? Learning your body and brain's patterns can help you isolate physical and emotional problems and begin to address them.
Once you've become aware of your problem areas, you'll be empowered to break bad habits that lessen your quality of life. Breaking bad habits requires more than strength of will. You may have to change your environment, social network or schedule in order to achieve certain results. Make incremental changes and be sure not to overwhelm yourself by initiating too many changes at once. Instead, focus on the process and be patient as you free yourself of unwanted behavioral patterns.
According to the September 2007 "What Really Makes Us Happy?" publication of "The Independent," happiness is strongly correlated with strength of relationships and social connections. Deepen relationships with those most important to you. Conversation, a shared meal or a relaxed outing with loved ones can increase your energy levels, productivity and health. Supportive friends and relatives help minimize stress levels in trying times and can help people solve their personal problems more quickly than they would be able to alone.
Trying a new dish, video game or walking path is a simple way to improve your mental health. According to Dr. Rich Walker, professor of psychology at Winston-Salem State University, trying new things increases overall happiness and intelligence. Trying new things facilitates new connections in neural pathways and releases endorphins associated with increased productivity and positive emotions. People with a variety of experiences don't dwell on negative events and emotions as much as those with limited experience.