There is no denying that accessibility has made aspects of our lives easier, however it has also seemingly to lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance dependency. Are our lives really easier?

One of the great challenges we face today is the constant access and demand to our time, attention, and needs. Our groceries can be delivered without leaving the couch, indulging in your favorite show can be done without any interruptions or commercials, group texts and email threads create instant responses, and we have more subscriptions than we know what to do with.

Why is it then that people are reporting being more discontent than ever before and mental health is significantly declining?

There is no denying that accessibility has made aspects of our lives easier, however it has also seemingly to lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance dependency. Are our lives really easier?

How do we begin investing back into the core of what makes us happy and brings us pleasure?

Below are some ways to begin refocusing efforts towards finding the happiness and fulfillment you desire. These practices, when done consistently throughout the week, can allow reprieve from the constant stress of daily life.

• Savoring: Slow down and take time to savor things you enjoy. Whether it’s food, places, feelings, or moments; let yourself absorb and savor what brings pleasure.
• Meditation: Whether you are seasoned in the art of meditation or you are a beginner, 5-10 minutes of meditation daily, can reduce stress, regulate nervous system, and increase productivity. As the practice becomes more familiar, increase time. Applications like HeadSpace or Insight Timer, provide guided mediations for all levels.
• Sleep: Creating a sleep schedule and bedtime routine can be a helpful way to make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Proper sleep reduces stress, regulates hormones, and supports regulation of energy levels throughout the day.
• Exercise: Prioritizing intentional daily movement for at least 30 minutes, 3-5x per week can drastically impact mood, sleep patterns, hormone regulation, and energy levels. Whether it be a walk or strength training, find movement that feels enjoyable to you to promote consistence.
• Gratitude: Create a list or write a letter at least 1x per week expressing and reflecting on gratitude for the aspects of your life you recognize positively impact you. Reflect on people, things, environments, or events.
• Social Connection: Scheduling time with people whose company you enjoy, making a connection with a stranger, reconnecting with acquaintances increases our sense of belonging, connection, and fulfillment. Meaningful interactions can have a profound impact on your mood and productivity throughout the week.
• Kindness: Find ways to make acts of kindness a part of your weekly ritual. Increasing your personal product of kindness is a gift that gives to others and yourself. Leave the world better than you found it.
• Character Strengths: Create a list identifying your top strengths and find ways to intentionally use them in new ways each week.

Managing the ever increasing demands of life can be challenging, but caring for our mental and physical wellbeing is the key to find joy in the lives we are living. As the seasons change, allow yourself to reset priorities and expectations going into this next season.