9 Powerful Ways To Boost Your Happiness
Posted on October 12, 2014 by Diantha Boardman, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
We have more control over our own happiness than we think and these are some proven techniques to bring more joy info your life.
Get Enough Sleep.
You know those people who say, “You can sleep when you’re dead?” Don’t listen to them. Sleep deprivation can cause irritability, mood swings, depression, and memory problems, among other things. According to the American Psychological Association, the average American should try to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep EVERY NIGHT. Naps are okay too.
Laugh. A Lot.
Stop taking everything so seriously. Laughter releases all kinds of happy chemicals in our brains that reduce stress, boost energy, and strengthen the immune system. It’s also highly contagious and I encourage you to share it. You can find tons of stand-up comedy on the internet or go to a live show in your city.
Simplify.
We have too much stuff. You know the kind of stuff I’m talking about too. Magazines you plan on reading, clothes that don’t fit but might you might some day wear, electronics you haven’t thrown away because someone else might use them but they’ve been sitting in a drawer for two years, etc. You may not realize it but this stuff causes us quite a bit of anxiety because it is evidence of our procrastination. We don’t need this stuff and realistically, we’re never going to do anything with it. Look around your home and your work space. Maybe you have a closet overflowing with various things, or your kitchen counter or desk is crowded with items making it very difficult to use. Throw it away, donate it or sell it but get rid of your stuff. You’ll feel better.
Have More Fun.
This is a very important ingredient of happiness but many of us don’t get enough of it. What’s fun for you and how can you have more of it?
Be Active.
Exercise is good for mind, body and soul. It’s also amazing for the ego when you start seeing results. Leading a sedentary life can be more hazardous to your health than smoking and the less healthy you are, the more likely you are to be unhappy. Your body was made to move. Find something that you enjoy doing and commit to doing it at least 40 minutes a day, 4 times per week.
Do Something Nice For Yourself Each Day.
We have a tendency to be a lot harder on ourselves than we deserve and I personally have found that being hard on myself does NOT motivate me. It just makes me feel bad which then allows me to engage in unhealthy habits like over-eating or drinking too much. Our relationship to ourselves is the most important one you have so make it a habit to treat yourself with loving kindness. It will motivate you to take better care of yourself, chase your dreams, and not stand for those who treat you badly. Suggestions for daily acts of kindness: do your favorite crossword, take a hot bath, get a mani pedi, have a girls night out, eat chocolate, buy yourself flowers, catch a movie, get a massage, curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, go to a park, take a walk or bike ride, explore your own city, anything that lifts your spirits and makes you smile.
Don’t Go It Alone.
We are social creatures and need meaningful connections in our lives. Talk less and listen more to strengthen intimacy with the important people in your life. Invest in your relationships, keep in touch with your family and friends, and surround yourself with positive, supportive people.
Listen To Music.
Specifically, music that makes you feel good when you hear it. Neurological studies have shown that our brains are hardwired to understand and react emotionally to music when you hear it. You also react physiologically to music; your pulse and breath may quicken or slow depending on tempo, and music can ease the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.
Get Outside.
Living in a city is awesome but it can be a sensory overload at times. Cities are constantly in motion, packed full of busy people doing exciting things but this can be exhausting for many people. To recharge you need to unplug and slow down to nature’s pace. Go for a walk in the park, take a drive to a more rural setting, find the nearest plant, whatever you need to do to catch your breath and just exist for a moment. Reestablishing a connection to nature has been scientifically proven to increase a person’s happiness and is a simple way to boost your mood.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post!
