We use cookies to make interactions with our website easy and meaningful. By continuing to use this site, you are giving us your consent.
Learn how cookies are used on our site. Accept Terms
People often think things like money or luxury lead to happiness, but research indicates some healthy life practices may actually be the key. Simple experiences like spending time with friends and family or practicing gratitude may promote a healthier outlook on life. Looking for ways to shift negative thinking? Want to increase positivity in your life? Readyto put that gratitude journal to good use? Here are five ways you can boost your happiness on a daily basis.
Practice Daily Gratitude
Expressing gratitude has been shown to do more than improve your mood. People who write down a few positive things about their day are healthier, more energetic, less stressed and anxious and get better sleep. The key is to make this a regular habit and do it with intention. Think about creating a small gratitude ritual. For example, every morning when you have your coffee you could think of three things that you appreciate about the day before.
Or make it a habit to jot down three good things about your day before you go to bed at night. Your three good things can be really small — perhaps you saw something beautiful or just appreciate being healthy that day. In fact, science shows that it's the small everyday experiences that make us happier, as compared to big life events.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Happiness is contagious. Dr. Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler, researchers at Harvard and The University of San Diego, found that each additional happy friend increases a person's probability of being happy by about nine percent. If you're feeling down, reach out to a friend or colleague who generally has a more positive attitude. Our brains have mirror neurons that will literally mimic what the other person is expressing. So when you need a bit of positive infusion, connect with those who share it.
Do Regular Acts of Kindness
Research has shown that spending money on others makes us happier than spending money on ourselves and doing small acts of kindness increases life satisfaction. Hold the door for the person behind you, say thank you and mean it when you get your drink from the coffee shop, pick up your colleague's favorite snack and leave it on their desk for them. Even the smallest nice gesture can make someone's day.
Spend More Time with Family and Friends
Having friends can save your life. Low social interaction can be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as bad for your health as obesity. Even if you're busy, you can find ways to connect with people you care about. Use your lunch break as an opportunity to call a friend or, if possible, take a walk together. If you're busy during the week, how about inviting your friend to do some errands together on the weekend?
Spend Money on Experiences Instead of Things
Research shows people report feeling happier when they spend their money on experiences rather than objects. We remember experiences for a longer period of time and our brains can re-live them, making our positive emotions last longer. So instead of that new pair of jeans consider trying a new yoga class or inviting a friend to the movies with you.
Author
Nataly Kogan
Sources
Tags
Gratitude
Mindfulness
Healthy Habits
Mental Health
Related Articles:
What If We Treated Every Day Like Thanksgiving?
Every Thanksgiving friends and family reminisce about memorable moments for which they are grateful. The afterglow of sharing gratitude can do wonders for one’s well-being. Just a few words of kindness can go a long way. So, why not treat every day like Thanksgiving? Daily practice is really the only way to make something a habit. If you exercise daily, your muscles grow. If you brush your teeth daily, you prevent cavities. If you practice gratitude daily, you enhance your well-being and the well-being of others.
Yoga: A Non-Impact Path to Health
Starting yoga might sound scary if you’re new to this activity. The poses may seem tough, and if you’re less “bendy,” you may find it hard to believe you could ever twist your body in this way. But if you’re able to push past this early fear and start practicing yoga, the payoff is well worth it. Find out the many mental and physical benefits of yoga, from stress reduction and weight loss to pain reduction and chronic disease management.
Financial Wellness
“I’m a bit short this month.” “I’m barely getting by.”If these phrases sound familiar, you’re not alone. 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, and financial problems are consistently rated among the highest sources of stress.If left unchecked, a high level of financial stress can lead to a wide range of emotional problems and even physical conditions. Find out how you can develop a healthy relationship with money.
Seven Healthy Family Habits
When we think of health family habits, the first thing that usually comes to mind is eating dinner at the table as a family. But what else? Is there a secret to being one of those families you see on vacation or at a restaurant that seem so happy and healthy? It might not be a secret, but there are some habits that can help your family live in harmony and be healthier too!
Taking Care of Our Mental Health
There is increased awareness these days that our mental health and well-being is a very important part of our overall health. In recent years, the pandemic, global instability, concern over the environment and negative social media influences have impacted each of us. In addition, events such as loss of a loved one, health challenges, being laid off or losing a home can seem insurmountable in the moment. We all experience loss at times in our lives. Good mental health gives us the resilience to get through challenges and stay steady.
The information contained on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained, expressed or implied in this blog, is intended as medical advice nor should it be construed as such. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, medical diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician or health care provider. It is not meant to and does not cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circ*mstances or adverse effects and reliance on the information on this blog is at your own risk. Always talk to your doctor or other qualified health care provider about any concerns or questions you have about your medical care and do not disregard professional medical advice based on the information herein. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
