HAPPINESS Hacks: 8 Ways To Be Happy
It's a new year. We're all facing new challenges. New changes. The excitement of the holidays have worn off and so many possibilities lie ahead. For some, the blank slate can be less exciting and more daunting. So much expectations. So much pressure. To make good in the new year. To achieve certain goals. To initiate changes and the list can go on. But guess what, it doesn't have to be that way. If you change certain habits and and your mindset, happiness can come very easily.
Here are eight scientifically proven happiness hacks that will get you through the new year:
Smile More- They say that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. A smile will always brighten anybody's day. The simple act of smiling-even if you have to force it- helps activate happiness centers in your brain, leaving you in a better mood.
Load up on greens- Dark and green leafy vegetables are loaded with nutrients called folate which provides 33% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This nutrient is linked to decreasing depressive moods because it helps produce dopamine in the brain.
Drink coffee or tea- This morning energy drink boosts doubles as a mood booster. Both coffee and tea have ingredients that will help you relax and lower the risk of depression. I like to start and end my day with a hot cup of tea and occasionally I make my self a cup of coffee with my Keurig coffee maker.
Play with your dog- Having a dog can seriously improve the quality of your life-their excitement in seeing you come home and their undying loyalty make them great companions. I may be biased because of our dog Jazz, but there are really a lot of reasons why pets improve your health. A study found that petting a dog for at least 15 minutes releases prolactin, serotonin, and oxytocin-all of which are mood-enhancing hormones.
Practice mindfulness-Defined as 'bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment to moment basis' provides many benefits including reduction of stress levels, increment of self-awareness,improvement of focus, facilitation of calmness in the middle of stressful situation, frustration and anxiety.
Listen to music-Fact is, music is a mood-booster.It releases the feel good chemical known as dopamine into your system and brings on nostalgia. Have a 'go-to' happy playlist whenever you need a quicker upper!
Get outside-Head outside to soak up some sunshine everyday. The human body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun's rays. Research suggests that people who do not get enough of the vitamin are prone to depression and low energy. So get out there and enjoy the sun.
Get off your screen- Put down your phone and turn of your computer screen. Human touch and interaction is still the best way to feel happy so have a detox from all kinds of technology and go back to old-school conversations and spending time with friends and family.
XOXO,
Karen