Science says that there are ways for us to feel happier. Check out the tips below!
1. Write out a quick list of what you are grateful for at the end of every day.
Journaling has been linked to a better sense of self, and an abundance of positive emotions. Focusing your writing on what you are grateful for after each day amplifies this benefit, and contributes to an overall sense of joy.
2. Try to share what made you happy on a given day with close friends and family.
The process of sharing what you were grateful for each day has been proven to significantly increase your potential for happiness, as well as increasing social bonds. Sharing is a two-way street, however, so encourage your friends to also share with you.
3. Surround yourself with the color blue.
One of the best ways to stop feeling blue is to embrace the color with all your might. Blue has been proven to increase reaction times and awareness, all while promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Guess Eiffel 65 was on to something.
4. Fit meditation into your schedule.
Meditation requires some investment, but the gains are potentially unrivaled. Studies show that meditation can actually rewire practitioners’ brains to permanently reduce stress levels while increasing feelings of contentment. Here’s a handy meditation guide.
5. Spend your money on others.
Simply accumulating money for the sake of having it does very little to improve your mood. Spending it on others, though – whether in the form of gifts, food, or simply treating someone to a movie – has been shown to increase positivity and promote happiness. In addition, spending money on experiences can make you feel happier as well.
6. Devise a workout schedule, even if it is only something quick.
Exercise has been linked to significant gains in happiness while reducing overall stress levels; even quick exercise carries this benefit. It has also been proven to improve one’s own body image, even if no visible change was observed.