ways to get happy

Ways to Get Happy

Being happy may just be the single most important thing you can do for your health.
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 . Since low levels of the nutrient have been linked to depression, soaking up a little bit of sun were 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
Were 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 diseasefighting proteins called antibodies and our brains release endorphins. While antibodies boost happiness by keeping illness at bay, endorphins are feelgood 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 . So its safe to say your pricey gym membership pays off physically and mentally in the long run.
3. Sleep more
Catnaps, power naps, a full nights sleep
4. Meditate
Though meditating can sometimes be daunting quieting your mental chitchat 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. Thats thanks to the feelings of accomplishment and selfconfidence that often come along with gaining new expertise. Consider this your cue to sign up for those French lessons youve always wanted to take, or pick up the ukulele choose something that genuinely interests you, and run with it
6. 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, youre 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.
8. Twist the sheets
Its no secret that stress can get you down. Luckily theres a pretty sweet solution some betweenthesheets action and that totally includes solo sessions. Those mindblowing romps can not only boost your mood, but also slash stress and beat anxiety . Cant 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 cant 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 thankyous doing so can make you healthier and happier. Whats more, being grateful may lead to other positive emotions including a boost in energy and optimism and wellbeing . Besides simply thanking people, try keeping a gratitude journal, and write down what youre 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 couldnt be more spoton. Except we dont just get by thanks to our friendships positive friendships help us feel more confident, less stressed, and happier.