ways to get happy

Lose yourself in another world or in the past. Books transport us to places weve never been often, those places are more adventurous and romantic than the places were currently in. Whether youre reading historical fiction or a steamy romance, being absorbed in another world will help you relax your mind and place our focus elsewhere. Just six minutes of reading can help reduce your stress level by twothirds.

A major factor in happiness is social contact and support.Talking to a friend about your sadness or the situation that has caused your sadness can help lessen the pain because you will know that someone cares about you and your feelings. Talking out loud can also help you air out your emotions and clarify exactly what you are feeling because it requires you put those feelings into words. Your sadness is no longer abstract, but becomes real, something that can be named and discussed, through its articulation in words

See a movie, go for dinner, or head out for a bike ride with friends or family. Along with distracting yourself, social interaction outside will help you get out of your own head for a few hours. Just talking with others even exchanging menial pleasantries and a change of scenery can improve your mood. If youre a loner by nature, dont overdo it with the socializing as this might make you more stressed and anxious. Aim for limited, lowkey social interaction, like running an errand, grabbing groceries, or getting a pedicure with a friend, rather than a long night of barhopping with friends.

Giving your time and energy to help others will not only help you stay busy, but will also give you a sense of reward and purpose, making you feel better about yourself and your situation.

Go for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Play a team sport. Do anything that gets you up and moving. Exercising will make your body release endorphins, those feelgood chemicals that enhance your mood and inhibit the bodys stress response.

Scientists have confirmed that what and when you eat can affect how you feel and your moods. If youre feeling sad, try eating a lowfat, lowprotein, but highcarbohydrate snack, such as a toasted English muffin with jam. When highcarbohydrate foods arent overtaken by the presence of protein or fat, they allow for a release of the amino acid tryptophan into your brain. Tryptophan then turns into serotonin, a neurotransmitter than improves your mood, and all within 30 minutes.

Channel your negative or overwhelming emotions into some other activity. Do something you enjoy and that relaxes you, such as painting, photography, poetry, or ceramics. Find whatever makes you feel at peace and helps transport you away from your daily struggles. This doesnt mean that you can escape your sadness, but it does mean that you are better able to cope with it by making time for yourself to do something that you enjoy.

Youll be amazed at how much of a lift taking a shower can give you. Consider making your shower colder than you would normally. Cold showers can be very beneficial and healing research has suggested that they can improve circulation and blood flow, reduce stress and tension, and boost your mood. The cold releases endorphins into your blood stream and brain and gives you a feeling of rejuvenation and positivity.

Sadness is part of a larger experience of grief. It is a painful emotion that is usually temporary and generally stems from external factors, such as a breakup, fight or disagreement with a close friend, moving away from family, or loss of a loved one. Sadness is a normal emotion that most people feel at various points in their lives.

You dont get to choose how you are going to die, or when. You can only decide how you are going to live, right now. Every day is a new chance to choose. Choose to change your perspective. Choose to flip the switch in your mind from negative to positive. Choose to turn on the light and stop fretting about with insecurity and doubt. Choose to do work that you are proud of. Choose to see the best in others, and to show your best to others. Choose to truly LIVE your life, right now.