Tips to Improve Your Health and Happiness
Hug
Hugs are amazing at relieving stress (and studies have proven this). I’m sure you’ve felt this yourself when hugging a partner or loved one. It feels like you relax, and stress melts away when you hug someone you care about.
Watch a movie
I love movies. Watching a comedy, thriller, mystery, or an inspirational drama always manages to get me to shift my perspective and provoke thought. Renting an old movie and grabbing a bag of popcorn — is there anything more awesome?Simplify your finances
We all have a few magazine subscriptions or similar financial burdens that we don’t even think about. They just arrive and we pay the fee. Simplifying your finances and dramatically cutting down your expenses will allow you to save more, work less, and relax.
Write a journal
Journaling is something I resisted for a long time, but as I started writing my thoughts down, things started becoming clearer, and I could solve problems and make decisions much easier.Volunteer
Signing up as a volunteer might seem like a waste of time at first, but once you try it, I promise you that you will walk out of it with a new outlook on helping others.Choose to be happier
Choosing to be happier consciously has shown to have an effect on people all around the world. I could not find any scientific evidence, but I can tell from personal experience that when you truly want to be happy, you’ll find a way.
Eat whole foods
Healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and so on are filled with fiber, nutrition, and things that scientists probably haven’t even discovered yet. Research proves this and shows that the healthier you eat, the happier you’ll be.
Give a gift
It feels good to give, and I am not just talking about rampant consumerism. You can give experiences and many other things. It doesn’t have to be things that are of no value. Take your loved one and give them an experience instead of something materialistic.Spend time with your family
Sometimes, we are so inundated with work that we forget to spend time with our family, friends, or even our spouse. This is especially true if you run your own business and love what you do. Take time to relax and be with those who are close to you.
Make food you enjoy
You and I both know that there are certain foods that make you happy. I am not talking about gorging yourself on ice cream or anything like that. Preparing food and eating it consciously can be a form of meditation and may help you snap out of the common patterns we find ourselves in.Be positive
Cliches are everywhere and a general statement such as “be positive” can get on your nerves. But taking baby steps to just think one more positive thought or do one more positive thing each day can change your life.
Get a massage
Massages feel awesome, but did you know that they can increase your serotonin and dopamine levels? Serotonin and dopamine are two neurotransmitters that help reduce depression and lift your mood.Be lazy
Sometimes it’s nice to just relax and allow yourself to be lazy. Once in a while, allow yourself to take some time for pure laziness, eating, and joy.
Experience life
When you have bouts of energy and can’t stand to be lazy anymore, go outside and experience something. Drive a go-kart, go to a sauna, or take a short trip. Create experiences that are worth remembering.Exercise
Exercise is good for your brain. Studies have known this for years, but we still neglect exercise, because it tends to be boring. Find an exercise form you really like. You don’t have to jog if you don’t enjoy it.
Eat fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce depression and all sorts of mental disorders. We believe this is because the EPA and DHA in fish help transport a chemical in your body called serotonin, which acts as a natural anti-depressant.Spend time with your pet
There are many studies out there on how pets can reduce cardiovascular stress, such as by lowering your blood pressure, and helping you release stress. This not only applies to those that own dogs, but to cat owners, as well.
Sleep
Lack of sleep has a profound impact on your mood, so make sure you get enough sleep. I’ve found that whenever I can’t get my 8-9 hours of sleep, I’m easily irritated, don’t think as well, and am not my cheery old self.
Be social
We humans are social creatures, and although some of us prefer to be alone, we still need human touch and interaction. Without it, we go crazy and fall into depression.Visualize what you want
When you visualize, make it feel like you’re there. You should try to smell, feel, hear and taste it. This will enhance the feeling and supercharge your cells with positive energy and catapult you toward your goals.Write down goals that make you happy
Setting goals that make you unhappy until you reach them is a recipe for disaster. Instead, set goals that make you happy in the present moment.
Organize yourself
I don’t know about you, but I feel less stress when my workplace and home is uncluttered and clean. I’m not saying I’m great at cleaning up, just that it’s nice.
Let go of guilt
Guilt can come about in many different ways. You might feel guilty because you just ate a piece of chocolate cake, or it can be something else. Relax, don’t be so hard on yourself, and let yourself enjoy the simple things in life (in moderation of course).Sit in nature
Sitting and looking at the birds and wildlife is soothing. Enjoying the moment and listening to the birds sing can remind you to not take the dramas in life so seriously and to instead just enjoy the ride.
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