Happiness extends both your healthspan and lifespan. Studies show that people with a positive disposition live longer and are healthier. Happiness releases substances like endorphins, brain growth factors, serotonin which all have positive effects on your health.
Also, by avoiding stress and negative thoughts, you lower your levels of unhealthy substances, like the stress hormone cortisol or adrenaline.
Here’s the thing: being happy is something that can be learned.
So let’s look at the second group of tips (I wrote about #1-16 last month) I’ve gathered to improve your happiness! They are in no particular order. See if you agree, disagree, or can add some tips of your own 🙂
17. Travel more
Do you see traveling linked to happiness? For many, it is.
As a travel writer for almost 10 years now how could I not add this one to the list 🙂
And always remember, travel means different things to different folks. Define what it means for you and get out there and have fun!
18. Don’t hold grudges
Anger is a poison which first and foremost poisons yourself. Do not hold grudges. Move on. Learn to forgive. Know that there will always be jealous, ignorant, disrespectful, hurtful people. This is beyond your control.
19. Move your body
Studies show that regular exercise reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. It also increases feelings of happiness and motivation. Physical activity releases many chemicals that have positive effects on the brain.
20. Always see the bright side, especially of negative things bright side, especially of negative things
Every event, no matter how bad, also has its positive sides. For example, if something bad happens, consider it a learning moment. Even when being confronted with a terrible event, like the death of a loved one, there are still positives to be found. Maybe this experience brought you together with your family, or made you get to know yourself (or others) better, or made you appreciate and enjoy life more. Approach every negative event or challenge as a way to grow or get something positive out of it. Then there are no negative or positive events——just events.
21. Be yourself
Do not try to be perfect, try to be authentic. Trying for perfection is exhausting!
22. Talk less
And listen more.
23. Live in the moment
The here and now is the only time we really have. It may sound cliche, but it’s true.
Learn to more deeply appreciate the moment itself. Enjoy the light that falls through the window, the softness of the chair you sit in, the buzz or the silence that surrounds you. Observe without judgment. If only for a moment, put your ever-running, worrying thoughts on hold. Immerse yourself in the moment itself, observing and appreciating your surroundings.
It’s a practice so start now!
24. Take care of your sleep
Not having enough sleep really messes up your mood. Heck, it messes with your whole life. Regular lack of sleep eats away at your feelings of happiness.
25. Live close to your workplace.
Okay, that’s easier said than done. I get that. Yet I’m including this as a tip because studies show that living far away from work (and spending a lot of time in your car commuting) is not good for your happiness. If you can not live closer to your work, try to use public transportation. That way you can do something else during the ride and enjoy the trip.
26. Connect more with nature
Being outdoors lifts the soul. Go hiking, travel, eat outdoors more often, ride a bike, go swimming. There are so many possible ways to connect with nature. Find a place in nature where you can go on a regular basis to recharge and refresh. We need to breathe in more fresh air and gaze upon distant horizons or be surrounded by dense green. Observe and enjoy the beauty of nature.
27. Be lazy once in a while
However you define lazy, it is allowed! Give your brain some rest. Get some me-time, and do not feel guilty about it. No one can work or be busy non-stop without burning out!
28. Reduce stress
There are all kinds of ways to reduce stress, like meditation, taking a bath, relaxation apps, massages, calming herbal teas. Did someone say chamomile tea?
29. Live minimally
Live “light”. Do not live in an apartment or house that is too big. Live with belongings that have meaning. Live in the world.
The fewer possessions, the fewer obligations, the freer and happier you will be. Do not fall into the status trap I mentioned earlier, trying to impress people, while sacrificing your precious time and freedom.
30. Eat healthily
A brain that is deficient in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and other micronutrients does not work well, and is more susceptible to negative and depressive thoughts. And the rest of your body, not just your brain, function much better when properly nourished.
31. Stop following the news
Most news is negative. Negative news attracts more attention than positive news, and yields more clicks or money. You will never see a reporter on TV saying: “I now report live from a city where there is no war!”. This continuous flood of bad news is not just bad for your mood, but also warps your view of the world: it gives the impression that everything is bad, and is getting worse.
According to scientific research, this is simply not true: the world has never been so wealthy, healthy and safe. Over the last ten thousand years, slavery, burning witches, torture, human sacrifices, refusing women the vote, the number of murders, infectious diseases or child mortality have all substantially declined.
Do not follow the media all day. 98 percent of news does not matter in 5 years from now. And if something really important happens, you will immediately hear from people around you. Also, reading a good book about a subject will make you far better informed than reading news items about the issue.
A low-media diet can be psychologically very healthy.
32. Read more
Non-fiction books make your world bigger with knowledge and insights. Fiction books make your world richer with experiences. I am an enthusiastic reader and a huge supporter of public library systems.
33. Disconnect
Disconnect at least one day per month (ideally one day per week) from the world: no smartphone, internet or television. Read, meditate, think, cook, visit friends or family. You will be surprised how long a day lasts without the internet! I have recommended this tip to many friends/family and once they get grooved into the practice they all say it does wonders for them 🙂
I take a disconnect day ONCE a WEEK!
Until next month, enjoy life and topping off your happiness tank,
shelli
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