Happy people are positive people. Happiness doesn’t equate to the kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear, or the house you own. It’s the feeling of being content with your life and learning how to let go of any negative energy that comes your way.
Research has given us proof of the power of happiness and how it can affect not only our mental health, but it can also benefit our physical health. Apart from putting a smile on your face, happiness can help you manage stress, increase your lifespan, improve your lifestyle, boost heart health, and strengthen the immune system.
5 Ways to Be Happy
The secret to being happy doesn’t have to be a secret anymore. Here are 5 ways to kickstart your happiness meter.
1. Hug Someone You Love
Hugs are an instant way to feel better. When you hug someone you love, your body releases chemicals known as oxytocin that make you feel good and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Hugging gives your body feelings of intimacy and connects you to the person you care about.
2. Practice Gratitude
It’s time to stop complaining and focus on all the good in your life. Being thankful is the best way to fuel positivity in your mind and realize how fortunate you are to have a home, a job, your puppy, or someone to hug.
Make an effort to block those negative thoughts and urge your co-workers and relatives to share something that made them feel happy that week. Additionally, write down 10 things that made you feel happy that day or 10 things that you are thankful for.
Practicing little habits like the ones above will rewire your brain to focus on all the positive aspects of your life that make you happy.
3. Help Others
Something as small as holding the door for someone or adding more time to the parking meter for the next person will go a long way in making someone else’s day better.
Practicing acts of kindness or being more helpful to others will not only benefit others but also leaves you feeling good.
4. Learn to Forgive
It’s not easy to forgive someone who did you wrong. However, the most important step to being happy starts by letting go. There is no point in dwelling on situations that have occurred in the past.
Holding on to a grudge only keeps you from moving on to a happier future. Unfortunately, we all have bad things happen to us, however, learning how to move on and manage our stress during unfortunate situations will keep us from developing signs of premature aging and help us live a happier life.
5. Choose Positivity
Why not start your day off by giving someone a compliment? Your positivity affects others around you and, in turn, make you have an optimistic outlook on life.
Numerous studies have shown that the positive and negative words we use affect the brain in different ways. The harsh words we use stimulate stress hormones and shut down the functions of the frontal lobe that control logic and reasoning activities.
The negativity you expel affects your brain from experiencing feelings of happiness and joy. However, choosing to use positive words will activate the frontal lobe and improve your brain functions.
Being positive and thinking positive thoughts will help your brain focus on the good and keep your mood lifted.
Happiness Is Contagious
Happiness rubs off on the people you surround yourself with. Walk into a room with a smile on your face and notice how many people will instantly smile back.
You might not know it, but you probably made someone smile the day they really needed it.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Babcock, J. (2017, June 16). How to Be Happy. Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://draxe.com/how-to-be-happy/
Take Action! 10 Ways to Increase Your Happiness. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from http://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-ways-to-increase-your-happiness
The 7 Most Powerful Ways to Boost Your Happiness Right Now. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.happify.com/hd/most-powerful-ways-to-boost-happiness/
