everydaytaichi.org
  • Welcome
  • Lucy's BLOG
  • Lesson of the Day
  • TV Broadcast
  • Mission
  • About Me
    • lucy featured in Honolulu newspaper
    • lucy & Ken: top producer for Olelo
    • everydaytaichi background
    • everydaytaichi lucy's Tai Chi Journey
    • everydaytaichi teaching style
    • everydaytaichi lucy: producer for local television station
    • everydaytaichi lucy volunteer community service
    • everydaytaichi lucy "Rookie of the Year" Award
    • Lucy's Premier Show Private Party
  • The Art of Tai Chi
    • What is Tai Chi?
    • Ken's Tai Chi Journey
    • Ken Talks: Importance of Gravity
    • Ken Talks on Proprioception & Kinesthetic Awareness
    • Ten Essentials of Yang Chengfu
    • Yang Style 88 Long Form
    • Yang Style 24 Movements Short Form
    • Yang Style 10 Form
    • Yang Style 16 Form
    • Ken Talks on Martial Arts Intent
    • Food for Thought
    • everydaytaichi favorite bookmarks
  • everydaytaichi
    • What is everydaytaichi?
    • Where is everydaytaichi?
    • How did everydaytaichi begin?
    • How old is everydaytaichi.org? >
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 5th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 4th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 3rd anniversary
    • What Are Some Opportunities for everydaytaichi students?
    • everydaytaichi Oldies but Goodies
    • everydaytaichi Gallery of Tai Chi Poses
    • everydaytaichi promotes everydaytaichi health
    • Lucy's Personal Project Apple Store in California
  • Tai Chi Aloha Around the World
    • Tai Chi During Global Pandemic
    • Tai Chi Aloha to Singapore >
      • Asian Civilization Museum
      • Aloha to Singapore Botanic Garden
      • Singapore Zoo & Aquarium & Museum
      • Aloha to Singapore River Walk
      • Lucy's Magical Tai Chi Ball
      • Gardens by the Bay
      • Farewell Singapore!
    • Lucy's Tai Chi Aloha to the Silk Road >
      • Come Take a Virtual Tour of the Silk Road
      • Lucy's Itinerary to the Silk Road
      • Lucy's Tai Chi on Silk Road
      • Come see the once in a life time experiences!
      • Taste the Food of the Silk Road
      • Ancient Treasures of Silk Road
      • Last Day: Beijing Walmart
    • Lucy's Tai Chi Aloha on Maui >
      • everydaytaichi family on Maui
    • everydaytaichi spreads tai chi aloha on Kauai >
      • everydaytaichi family on Kauai
    • everydaytaichi in Osaka + Kyoto, again
    • everydaytaichi in Hokkaido Japan
    • everydaytaichi at Osaka, Japan
    • everydaytaichi at Waikaloa & Volcano on Hawaii Island
    • everydaytaichi at Coconut Island, Kaneohe Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi on Baltic Cruise >
      • everydaytaichi in Sweden
      • everydaytaichi in Finland
      • everydaytaichi in Russia
      • everydaytaichi in Germany
      • everydaytaichi in Denmark
    • everydaytaich Ken Christmas Island
    • everydaytaichi Duets by Lucy & Ken
    • everydaytaichi lucy on Maui for 71st
    • everydaytaichi at Ko Olina Beach
    • everydaytaichi at Sequoia National Park
    • Gallery: Sequoia National Park
    • everydaytaichi in California: Irvine & San Mateio
    • Gallery: California- Irvine & San Mateio
    • everydaytaichi in Japan 2016 >
      • Japan Alps Gallery
      • Tai Chi Aloha in Japan
      • Tai Chi Poses In Japan
    • everydaytaichi visits New Zealand...a quick guide >
      • everydaytaichi in Auckland
      • everydaytaichi in Hamilton
      • everydaytaichi in Rotorua at a Farm
      • everydaytaichi sees sheep shearing at Argodome
      • Lake Taupo + Green & Blue Lakes, New Zealand
      • Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Spectacular Geyser
      • Waimalu, Geothermal Spectacular
      • everydaytaichi goes to Devonport, New Zealand
      • Redwood Forest, New Zealand
      • Huka Falls, New Zealand
      • Hobbiton, New Zealand
      • everydaytaichi ken cooking green mussels, grilling lamb...
      • everydaytaichi family having fun
    • everydaytaichi visits Alaska...quick guide >
      • everydaytaichi in Seattle, Washington
      • everydaytaichi on board ship
      • everydaytaichi visits Juneau, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi visits Skagway, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi visits Ketchikan, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi sails to Glacier Bay, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi activites on board ship
      • everydaytaichi goes to Victoria, British Columbia
      • everydaytaichi back in Seattle, Washington
      • everydaytaichi back home, Honolulu, Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi in China 2010 >
      • Beijing
      • Great Wall
      • Summer Palace >
        • Videos
      • Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
      • Olympic Park Bird's Nest Stadium
      • Xian
      • Bund in Shanghai
      • Suchow and the Grand Canal
      • Yangtze River Cruise >
        • Videos
      • Chongqing
    • everydaytaichi does Luk Tung Kuen in Hong Kong >
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • everydaytaichi travels to Southeast Asia 2011 >
      • Vietnam >
        • Videos
      • Cambodia >
        • Tai Chi Videos
        • Videos
      • Thailand >
        • Videos
      • Taiwan >
        • Video
    • everydaytaichi in the US >
      • California >
        • Tai Chi at San Mateo >
          • Tai Chi Videos
          • Family Album >
            • Aa's Newest Kid on the Block Comic Strip
            • ET's Comic Strip Page
            • Aa & ET Boulder Project Replica
            • Operation Bear
          • everydaytaichi Granddaughter's Album
        • Tai Chi in Ryder Park
        • Tai Chi in Redwood City
        • Tai Chi at Half Moon Bay
        • Tai Chi at the Gardens, Central Park
        • Tai Chi in Roseville
      • Massachusetts >
        • Family Album
        • Tai Chi in Cambridge
        • Tai Chi at Harvard
        • Tai Chi in Boston Commons
        • Tai Chi at the Boston Public Garden
        • Tai Chi in Dover
        • everydaytaichi in Germany
        • Tai Chi in Wellesley
      • Maine >
        • Tai Chi Video
        • Family Album
    • everydaytaichi in Europe 2009 >
      • Prague, the Czech Republic
      • Vienna, Austria
      • Budapest, Hungary >
        • Videos
    • Zion National Park >
      • Tai Chi Videos
    • everydaytaichi in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii >
      • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Trail Jan. 2015
      • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Park >
        • Makapuu Beach
        • Videos
        • Makapuu Lighthouse everydaytaichi family
      • Sandy Beach >
        • Videos
      • Queen's Beach
      • Bellows Air Force Base >
        • Video
      • Kuliouou Beach Park >
        • Videos
      • Hawaii Kai Marina >
        • Videos
      • China Wall Koko Head East Honolulu >
        • Video
      • everydaytaichi at Ala Moana Magic Island Yacht Harbor, Waikiki Beach Sunset
      • Kuhio Beach, Waikiki >
        • everydaytaichi lucy in Waikiki Hawaiian Village Beach Walk
        • Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park >
          • Video
        • Kapiolani Bandstand, Waikiki
        • everydaytaichi lucy at Waikiki Beach
      • Kualoa Park, on Windward, Oahu, Hawaii >
        • Laniloa Point, Laie, on Windward, Oahu, Hawaii
      • Waikahalulu Gardens in Downtown Oahu, Hawaii
      • Nuuanu Pali Lookout Oahu, Hawaii
      • Lanikai Beach Park Oahu, Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi in Maui >
      • everydaytaichi takes the road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
      • Tai Chi at Iao Valley
      • Tai Chi at Kula Upcountry
      • Maalaea Harbor
      • Tai Chi at Wailea
      • Family Album >
        • Video
    • 24 Movements Around the World >
      • Video
      • Commencing Form, Parting the Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip, Cloud Hands
      • Kick Out, Double Punch
      • Serpent in the Grass
      • Maiden Working Her Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms like a Fan, Turn, Deflect, Parry and Punch
      • Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
    • everydaytaichi friends & students spread their everydaytaichi aloha around the world >
      • the Chuns' Niu Valley Boulder Removal Project 9-2011
  • Special Events
    • everydaytaichi celebrates >
      • everydaytaichi.org is 10 Years Old!
      • World Tai Chi Day 2020
      • World Tai Chi Day 2019
      • World Tai Chi Day 2018
      • World Tai Chi Day 2017
      • everydaytaichi lucy hosts Prof. Li Deyin at Kilauea Park
      • everydaytaichi.org is 8YO, Lucy's Mother's 101
      • everydaytaichi lucy & ken celebrate Brennan's Kalani Graduation 2016
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates 3rd annual World Tai Chi Day at Kahala Mall
      • lucy Family Reunion to celebrate 70th
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates her 70th
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates 2nd annual World Tai Chi Day at Kahala Mall
      • everydaytaichi lucy & ken celebrate Justine's Iolani Graduation 2015
      • everydaytaichi lucy featured at the Mayor's Summit on Living Age Friendly
      • everydaytaichi lucy: Guest Speaker for Her Sorority
      • Lucy's Premier Show Private Party
      • Happy New Year Tai Chi at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Hawaii
      • December 30, A Day of Multiple Celebrations
      • Merry Christmas from the Chun Family
      • Merry Christmas from Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall
      • Merry Christmas to Our Tai Chi Friends
      • Happy Birthday Sophia Lucille Chun!
      • everydaytaichi lucy "Rookie of the Year" Award
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 4th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates from 10-07-10
      • everydaytaichi lucy hosts Yomeiji Taikyokuken Shikoku Chuo Tai Chi Club
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates World Tai Chi Day 2014 Kahala Mall
      • everydaytaichi by lucy celebrates family >
        • Thanksgiving 2014
        • Mother's Day 2014
        • Thanksgiving 2013
        • everydaytaichi by ken celebrates Gungie's Day
        • everydaytaichi by ken celebrates Father's Day
        • everydaytaichi by lucy celebrates Mother's Day
        • Double Celebration: Birthday + Easter
        • Christmas Gift 2012 >
          • Merry Christmas from Tai Tai
          • Happy Holidays from everydaytaichi students
          • Christmas Gift 2011
        • Thanksgiving 2012 >
          • Thanksgiving
          • Family Album
          • everydaytaichi Mother's Day in L.A., California
          • Black Friday
          • 10-10-10 October 10, 2010
      • Lucy, a life long learner >
        • Visitors from Japan Play Tai Chi at Kilauea Park
        • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Trail Jan. 2015
        • everydaytaichi Black Friday Special
        • everydaytaichi students at Mayor Country & Craft Fair
        • everydaytaichi student Dr. Joseph Young is the Mayor of Chinatown
        • everydaytaichi lucy \\"Rookie of the Year\\" Award
        • everydaytaichi lucy & ken welcome the Polynesian ship, the Hokulea at Maunaloa Bay in Hawaii Kai
        • everydaytaichi lucy speaks on Luk Tung Kuen and Tai Chi Hawaii COPD Seminar
        • Labor Day Monday at Aina Koa Park NON Instructional Tai Chi
        • everydaytaichi by lucy presentation:Lion's Club Hawaii District 50
        • Hawaii Celebrates World Tai Chi-Chi Kung Day
        • everydaytaichi by lucy on KITV News
        • Going Green
        • Fourth of July
        • Another day...another year
        • Pussywillows in Hawaii
        • Lucy's Personal Project >
          • Tai Chi at Hillsdale Mall
        • Teaching Tai Chi at Central Park >
          • Gallery
        • Niu Valley Boulder Project >
          • Breaking News
          • Gallery
          • Videos
        • Aloha, Genie
      • Luk Tung Kuen Around the World >
        • Luk Tung Kuen 2014 Easter at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen 2013 Christmas at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall after Thanksgiving
        • Luk Tung Kuen Evelyn at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Celebrates Irene's 100th Birthday
        • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Kahala Mall with Our Centenarian
        • Luk Tung Kuen in Hong Kong
        • Luk Tung Kuen in San Mateo
        • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall 2012
        • Lucy & Evelyn do LTK Kahala Mall Xmas
        • Lucy does LTK at San Mateo, California
        • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Christmas 2011 Special
      • Ken's Retirement >
        • everydaytaichi ken celebrates his big 7-0
        • Narcissus Bulb Cutlture everydaytaichi ken >
          • Ken's Narcissus Culturing for Chinese New Year
          • Narcissus Bulb Crab Claw Culture
          • Narcissus Bulb Cutlture Long Stem Traditional Style
          • Narcissus Bulb Culture 2013
          • Narcissus for Chinese New Year
        • Fishing Tales
        • Tako Tales
        • Tako and Fishing Tales
        • Mixed Plate, a Potpourri of Carpentry, Landscaping, Gardening + More >
          • Reconnecting with a Friend
        • Family Album >
          • Kwock Family Reunion Picnic at Bellows AFB
  • everydaytaichi4U
    • Everydaytaichi Home Style Practice
    • Tai Chi Basics
    • Lucy's Home Studio Lessons
    • Kilauea Park Classes >
      • Yang 10 Form Tuesday 10AM
      • Yang 16 Thursdays 9AM
      • Yang 24 Thursday 1015AM
      • Yang Style: 10, 16 & 24 Forms
      • Yang 88
    • Proper Alignment & Key Words >
      • Tai Chi Walk
      • Commencing Form, Part Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip
      • Cloud Hands
      • High Pat on the Horse, Kick Out Right
      • Double Punch
      • Kick out Left
      • Serpent in the Grass, Golden Cockerel
      • Maiden Works her Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms like a Fan
      • Turn, Deflect, Parry and Punch
      • Apparent Closing
      • Cross Hands
      • Closing Form
    • Refinement: Coordinating Body Movements + Breathing >
      • Lesson #1: Tai Chi Walk, Movements thru Single Whip
      • Lesson #2: Single Whip thru Closing Form
      • Lesson #3: Shift, Rotate, Spiral
      • Lesson #4: Complete Elements in Movement at Same Time
      • Lesson #5: Coordinate, Shift, Rotate, Spiral, Synchronize Elements
      • Lesson #6: Repulse Monkey, Grasp Bird's Tail, Cloud Hands
      • Lesson #7: Cloud Hands, Maiden works Shuttles, Turn Deflect
      • Lesson #8: High Pat on Horse thru Serpent, Golden Cockerel
      • Lesson #9: Needle at Bottom of Sea, Flash Arms, Turn Deflect...Closing Form
      • Lesson #10: Turn Deflect Parry Punch, Apparent Closing...
      • Lesson #11: Turn Deflect..., Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
      • Lesson #12: more refinement of Turn Deflect & Repulsing the Monkey
    • YouTube channels: everydaytaichi4u + MORE
    • YouTube Playlist for 24 Movements
    • YouTube Playlist for Yang 10 Form
    • Yang Style Tai Chi 24 Movements Called Out
    • Warm Up Exercise
    • Tai Chi Posture, Tai Chi Walk
    • Yang Style Tai Chi Back View >
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail thru Cloud Hands, Single Whip Back View
      • Single Whip High Pat on Horse, Kick Outs, Double Punch Front Back View
      • Serpent in Grass, Golden Cockerel Front & Back View
      • Serpent, Golden Cockerel, Maiden, Needle, Flash Arms thru Closing
    • 24 Movements Slideshow >
      • Commencing Form, Parting the Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip, Cloud Hands
      • High Pat on the Horse, Kick Out, Double Punch
      • Serpent in the Grass, Golden Cockerel
      • Maiden Working the Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms Like a Fan, Turn, Deflect, Parry, Punch
      • Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
      • everydaytaichi students travel and keep tai chi alive!
    • Chi Kung & Tai Chi Music
    • everydaytaichi DVDs & CDs by lucy chun
  • Testimony
    • everydaytaichi students' personal opinions
    • everydaytaichi students expression of gratitude
    • everydaytaichi students' insights
    • everydaytaichi is appreciative for...
    • everydaytaichi friends around the world
  • Classes
    • NEW Tai Chi Classes Kilauea District Park
    • Locations >
      • Where is Kilauea District Park?
      • What Bus Do I Catch?
    • Types of everydaytaichi classes by lucy chun >
      • Levels of Classes/ Registration Info
      • NEW Tai Chi Classes Kilauea District Park
      • Spring 2016 Add On Classes
      • ADD On REFINEMENT Classes: Kilauea Park Between Regular Sessions
      • Tai Chi Aina Koa Non-Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi Kilauea Park Non-Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi Kahala Park Non Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi NVMS Non Instructional Session
      • Private Lesson 1 on 1 Lesson
    • Luk Tung Kuen >
      • Luk Tung Kuen Slideshow
      • Luk Tung Kuen 2014 Easter at Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Christmas at Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall after Thanksgiving
      • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Kai Welcomes the Hokulea
      • Luk Tung Kuen Evelyn at Kahala Mall
      • Health Benefits of LTK 36 Movements
      • Luk Tung Kuen at Kilauea District Park, Honolulu, Hawaii
      • Luk Tung Kuen Celebrates Irene's 100th Birthday
      • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Instructions for Exercise
      • Luk Tung Kuen Led by Students Kahala Mall Honolulu, Hawaii
      • everydaytaichi students also do LTK
  • Contact
  • New Page

everydaytaichi lucy bookmark favorite: 25 Science-Backed Ways to Feel Happier

5/8/2014

0 Comments

 
25 Science-Backed Ways to Feel Happier

ByAlexandra DuronMay 5, 2014 

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! Even as children, we’re taught to recognize and celebrate feelings of happiness—and it’s no wonder. Not only is happiness one of the most positive emotions we can experience, but being happy is also the key to a fulfilled, healthy life. Plus, cheeriness is linked to living longer, how hard we work, physical function as we age, and an improved immune system, among other health benefits.

While it’s hard to define (especially since it varies from person to person), some experts describe happiness as “a combination of life satisfaction and having more positive emotions than negative emotions,” while others view it as consisting of three parts: feeling good, living a “good life,” and feeling part of a larger purpose. There’s also a distinct difference between short- and long-term happiness: The former is a fleeting feeling, while the latter applies to how we describe our own lives.

While some factors that affect happiness might be outside of our control (such as genetics or certain life circumstances), there are always actions we can take to amp up our own good feelings. To smile wider, be more satisfied with life, and feel altogether better—both in the present and the future—try introducing any (or all!) of these practices into your life.

How to Be Happy

1. Spend time outside.
Enjoying time al fresco is a great way to put some pep back in your step. Living near green spaces is associated with better mental health, and even just looking at images of nature scenes can stimulate the parts of your brain associated with happiness, positivity, and emotional stability. Plus, spending time in the great outdoors exposes us to sunlight, which can help our bodies produce vitamin D [1]. Since low levels of the nutrient have been linked to depression, soaking up a little bit of sun (we’re talking just 15 minutes per day) may lift your spirits both in the present and over the long term. Just make sure to slather on some sunscreen!

2. Sweat it out.
We’re obviously big fans of exercise in general, but making time for a regular fitness session does more than just sculpt a strong physique. While getting your sweat on may not cause happiness, it can certainly contribute to it. Physical activity helps our bodies produce disease-fighting proteins—called antibodies—and our brains release endorphins. While antibodies boost happiness by keeping illness at bay, endorphins are feel-good chemicals that improve your mood while promoting feelings of euphoria. To top it all off, research suggests that regular activity may lead to lasting happiness [2]. So it’s safe to say your pricey gym membership pays off—physically and mentally—in the long run.

How to Be Happy3. Sleep more.
Catnaps, power naps, a full night’s sleep… no matter the method, a quality snooze session is vital for overall well-being and happiness. In fact, research shows that not sleeping enough (four hours per night) may lead to lower levels of optimism. And skimping on sleep can cause us to choose larger portion sizes and hurt on-the-job performance [3] [4]. Your best bet: Load up on your vitamin Zzz’s for a healthier, happier life.

4. Meditate.
Though meditating can sometimes be daunting (quieting your mental chit-chat is tough work!), there are tons of health benefits associated with the practice. Research shows that eight weeks of daily meditation can lead to greater happiness. Looking to get started? Try incorporating any of these 10 meditation strategies into your day.

5. Get a new hobby.
Not only is it mentally stimulating (not to mention fun), but challenging yourself to learn a new skill can lead to greater happiness. That’s thanks to the feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence that often come along with gaining new expertise. Consider this your cue to sign up for those French lessons you’ve always wanted to take, or pick up the ukulele—choose something that genuinely interests you, and run with it!

How to Be Happy6. Turn up the tunes.
Just try to frown while listening to upbeat songs (like any of the ones on our Ultimate Happy Playlist)—we dare you! Jamming out can help reduce stress—which leads to greater happiness in general. Plus, listening to music with the goal and desire to become happier may actually lead to greater happiness than simply listening for the sake of listening. So the next time you pump up the volume, keep that positive intention in mind—you may just find yourself smiling a little wider.      

7. Write it down.
Negative thoughts are nasty, powerful, and all too easy to dwell upon—and it goes without saying that doing so can make us feel pretty bummed. One way to relieve your mind: Jot it all down. Try writing down your negative thoughts on a piece of paper, and then throwing the piece of paper away. Research suggests that physically tossing your worries can lessen their hold over you. On the flipside, if you document positive experiences that you feel grateful for, you’re likely to feel happier and more satisfied with life. And if you really want to boost your mood, phone a friend and share some of your happy journal entries—doing so may triple your positive feelings.     

How to Be Happy8. Twist the sheets.
It’s no secret that stress can get you down. Luckily there’s a pretty sweet solution: some between-the-sheets action—and that totally includes solo sessions. Those mind-blowing romps can not only boost your mood, but also slash stress and beat anxiety [5]. Can’t argue with that, right? And in case you need an excuse to get it on more often, consider this: Research suggests that the more sex people have, the happier they tend to be. One study even suggests that having sex once a week may make you feel as stoked as scoring an additional $50,000 in income. Getting lucky even more frequently—four or more times per week—has been linked to making more money—and while extra dough certainly can’t buy happiness, it definitely plays a part in it.

9. Have an attitude of gratitude.
Our parents were onto something when they reminded us to always say your “thank-yous”—doing so can make you healthier and happier. What’s more, being grateful may lead to other positive emotions (including a boost in energy and optimism) and well-being [6]. Besides simply thanking people, try keeping a gratitude journal, and write down what you’re thankful for every day. Experts maintain that jotting down even one sentence of gratitude a day can boost feelings of happiness.

10. Be a friend.
A few wise men once sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends”—and they couldn’t be more spot-on. Except we don’t just get by thanks to our friendships—positive friendships help us feel more confident, less stressed, and happier. To make new friends—and keep the ones you have—use these 16 tips.

How to Be Happy11. Spread joy.
Much like yawning and a case of the giggles, happiness really is contagious. One study found that happiness has a waterfall effect among pals (and their pals… and their pals’ pals). When one person’s happy, it spreads to his or her friends and entire social network over the long term. Pretty much the most awesome way to influence other people, right?

12. Learn to let go.
Adopting a hakuna matata outlook can boost overall happiness. Easier said than done, to be sure, but making a point to detach yourself from mistakes, worries, and regrets may lead to more lighthearted times. In fact, holding onto resentment and hurt feelings can tie you to the past and also marks a decision to continue suffering. Make the choice to be happy by forgiving people who hurt you and moving away from situations from your past that brought you down.

How to Be Happy13. Practice self-care on a daily basis.
Given the manic pace of day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself—and that’s a surefire way to end up unhappy, burnt out, and even ill. Try treating yourself to regular actions that improve your overall, long-term health and happiness (this list is a pretty great place to start!).

14. Do some downward-facing dog.
Getting your om on is an excellent way to boost your mood and beat anxiety [7]. In fact, one study suggests yoga may be more effective at boosting mood than other methods of exercise. Plus, practicing yoga can also help slash stress and improve immunity—both of which contribute to overall, long-term health and happiness.

15. Load up on nutrients.
When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, eating well is clutch—especially since the nutrients you consume improve your mental health as much as your physical well-being. Case in point: Research finds that happiness and mental wellbeing are highest among people who eat a good amount of fruit and vegetables per day (seven portions, in this case). Plus, some nutrients, like calcium and iron, are particularly good at making you merry. Check out this long list of mood-boosting nutrients here, and fill up your plate with the good stuff.

How to Be Happy16. Go easy on yourself.
Too often, we’re our own worst enemies. While it’s good to be aware of mistakes you’ve made and improvements you can make, beating yourself up on the regular is a surefire way to wind up singing the blues. In fact, experts believe that self-criticism can just make us more miserable. So instead of dwelling on your every failing, focus on how and why you value yourself. This shift will help make you stronger, more productive, less stressed, and, yes, happier.  

17. Just say yellow.
The next time you’re feeling down, try harnessing the power of a yellow hue. Happy people tend to associate their mood with the cheerful color, and folks also tend to think of yellow as the color of optimism (possibly because we associate it with the sun). To incorporate the power of yellow into your life, try adding a bit of yellow to your outfit or painting your walls the cheerful hue.

How to Be Happy18. Feel the flower power.
Apart from brightening up a room, flowers can also brighten up your mood. A floral fixture may reduce feelings of pain and anxiety while boosting positive emotions. One study also shows that looking at flowers first thing in the morning leads to increased happiness and energy and decreased anxiety. Not only that, but being surrounded by blooms can also positively affect your 9-to-5—it’s been shown to boost creativity and make workspaces feel more pleasant.

19. Minimize stress.
When it’s a chronic problem, the big bad stress monster is responsible for tons of health problems—including anxiety, sleep issues, depression, and more—and these can all put a damper on your mood. To keep your spirits soaring, try incorporating any of these stress-busting strategies into your life, and get ready to feel the stress melt away.

20. See the glass as half-full.
If there’s one trait that goes hand-in-hand with happiness, it’s optimism. People who think positively are less likely to feel depressed, more productive at work, and generally healthier than their doom-and-gloom counterparts. That said, it’s important to be both optimistic and realistic instead of just blindly positive (In fact, forcing ourselves to feel over-the-top positive may do more harm than good, especially for those of us more prone to cynical thinking.). People with a healthy combination of optimism and realism don’t let unhappy thoughts bring them down, but they use their realistic outlook to make smart decisions and actions. Talk about the best of both worlds.

How to Be Happy21. Have meaningful conversations.
Shooting the breeze may be fun and completely effortless, but small talk won’t lead you to a happier life. In one study, people who engaged in the least amount of meaningless chit-chat were also the happiest [8]. And speaking of conversation skills, being a good listener may also lead to a greater sense of wellbeing, stronger relationships, and all-around better experiences.

22. Get stuff done.
Fact: Since it prevents us from accomplishing goals, procrastination diminishes happiness. Avoid putting off tasks and continue working towards your goals in order to give yourself a mental boost. Though conquering something challenging may stress us out while we’re doing it, it also makes us happier in the long run (hey, who doesn’t love an accomplishment?). Plus, when we set goals (and meet or surpass our hopes and expectations), it can help us feel more purpose and control and boosts our self-esteem.

23. Complain—the right way.
Whining is generally considered a bad thing—and yeah, it can get pretty annoying if you’re on the receiving end. Done effectively, however, it can actually benefit our mental health. So what exactly makes complaining effective? When voicing a concern leads to results, which in turn lead to a better mood and self-esteem and feeling empowered, it’s effective. In other words, complaining done right involves identifying a problem and taking positive action to address it, not just getting stuck in a loop-de-loop of complaints.

How to Be Happy24. Save money…
Building up a nest egg is an important part of a happy life—and a financially sound future. One survey found that the more people saved, the happier they tended to be. Putting money aside is also associated with feelings of security, wellbeing, and control. Save some cash here, there, and everywhere with these 94 (!) money-saving tips.

25. …But also spend money (wisely).
While it’s crucial to stash some cash away for a rainy day, indulging in the occasional shopping trip can actually reduce sadness by making us feel more in-control. While retail therapy seems to be a legit thing, science shows that spending money on others is especially beneficial to happiness. And if you really want to boost your mood, experts suggest combining an actual gift with the gift of your time—so both you and your giftee enjoy both the purchase and the time spent together. To reap the mood-boosting benefits, enjoy the gift with your loved one—whether you’re giving an experience, like cooking classes, or something more material, like new golf clubs.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Lucy's BLOG

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

    Copyright 2009 vmnproduction

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.