7 steps to boost your happiness!

 

Psychologists may still be arguing over the exact figures, but the bottom line on recent research is is that a huge chunk of how you feel depends not on your genes or circumstances but on what you intentionally do! So, boost your happiness with these 7 steps that science says work like charm! [i]

1. Exercise!

Study after study finds exercise not only good for your health, but also mood-lifting.[ii]

2. Hang around with friends and family!

Strong relationships with your family or close friends also make you both happier and healthier. [iii]

3. Eat healthy!

Turns out bad food equals bad mood! Scientist have found that by eating junk we increasingly get ourselves into an emotional funk – depression, anxiety, and insomnia. [iv]

4. Helping others helps YOU

Help others to help yourself! We are programmed to feel good about helping others – so lend a hand and reap the benefits! [v]

5. Get outdoors!

Spending time outdoors, especially in the nature gives a nice boost to our emotional well-being. [vi]

6. Sleep more, feel better!

Turns out sleep deprivation makes you not only a low-performer at work or school but also puts you in the blues. So, for happiness’ sake, sufficient sleep is a must! [vii]

7. Meditate for a happier you!

Studies on Transcendental Meditation for example demonstrate that by sitting still and doing nothing (sort of) you can train your brain to ace in the happiness department! [viii]

_References:

_{[i]Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111-131.
Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). Is it possible to become happier? (And if so, how?). Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 1, 1-17.
[ii]Health and Wellness. thepursuitofhappiness.org
[iii]Good Close Relationships Matter. actionforhappiness.org
[iv]Health and Wellness. thepursuitofhappiness.org
[v]Farino, L. (2014). Do Good, Feel Good. MSN Health
[vi]MacKerron, G. (2013). Sea and Sun Equal Happiness. London School of Economics.
[vii]More Sleep Would Make Most Americans Happier, Healthier and Safer. American Psychological Association.
[viii]Meditation, Well-being and Positive Emotions. TMhome.com}

This article originally appeared on TM Home at: www.tmhome.com

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