#20 Mood Lift
When it comes to being happy, experts say our circumstances only account for 10% of happiness. Half depends on genetics and the other 40% depends on how we make ourselves happy. So check out these tips to lift your mood and make you smile.
#19 The Brighter Side of Life
How we frame things can really determine the way we feel about it. So why not try to see the bright side of things as opposed to the negative? The upside is your optimistic outlook will make you ready to take on just about anything.
#18 Get Enough Sleep
Never underestimate the power of a good night's rest. In a world teeming with to-do lists and getting from point A to B as quickly as possible, it's probable that lack of sleep can make you less patient and just plain crabby. Getting your Zzzs can dramatically improve your functioning skills and make you more alert to deal with everyday hassles without being irritable.
#17 Let the Sun Shine In
Sunlight is the best astringent for dark moods. Letting the sunlight into your room in the mornings can significantly lift your mood for the rest of the day. Morning light is especially favorable for happiness simulation, so open up those blinds and curtains.
#16 Go Outside
Just being outdoors can be beneficial to your mood. There's nothing worst than being cooped inside while under stress. Taking a brisk walk outside can help you take the focus off your own problems and instead you'll be stimulated by fresh air and interesting surroundings.
#15 Munch on Nuts
Or enjoy a salmon filet for lunch. Both are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids which make people less prone to depression and easier to get along with. So take a break to snack or eat your way to a better mood.
#14 Aromatherapy
Infusing the air you're in with calming scents will help diffuse your stress. Burning scented candles or oils will help calm you down while you're stressed or feeling anxious. It'll soon become your quickest and easiest happiness trick.
#13 Play With a Furry Friend
Research has found that petting a dog for 15 minutes does wonders for releasing natural happy chemicals in our bodies, such as serotonin and dopamine. Seeing a cute dog or cat releases progesterone, the chemical in our bodies that make us go "awwww" whenever we see something cute. Animals have amazing therapeutic and healing powers, so remember to hug your pet every day.
#12 Declutter Your Space
Having a lot of clutter around your desk or house can remind you of the things you're not getting done. Instead straighten up piles on your desk or where you spend a lot of time for a quick fix. Organizing and keeping organized will help you feel a greater sense of control over your immediate surroundings, thus increasing your personal sense of security and confidence.
#11 Fake It Til You Make It
Make yourself smile even when you don't feel like it. The simple act of smiling will activate the happiness centers in your brain and you'll start to feel better almost immediately.
#10 Eat Chocolate
There's just something so special and gratifying about biting into a nice chunk of chocolate. And there's good reason we crave it when we're feeling down- it boosts mood-lifting serotonin in our brains. Just the taste, smell and texture alone is enough to make us happy.
#9 Think Fast
Increasing the rate of your negative thinking may actually help you feel better. Like if you're mad at your boss, give yourself 30 seconds to jot down everything you don't like about him that comes to mind. Rapid thinking, even negative thinking, can lift your moods. Or, at the very least, act as a distraction.
#8 Laugh a Little
When you're feeling down it's time to cue up YouTube and have yourself a little giggle. Laughing releases dopamine which is a natural opiate and besides, who doesn't love a good cat video from time to time?
#7 Rethink Retail Therapy
Now before you grab your credit cards and head to the mall, consider how better to spend your hard-earned money. Splurging on experiences such as a good meal or a concert may make you happier than another new pair of shoes.
#6 Exercise
It's probably the last thing you want to do when you're feeling depressed but working out can do wonders for increasing your energy and mood. Getting 30 minutes of exercise a day can lower symptoms of depression while increasing your mood for up to 12 hours.
#5 Cuddle Up
Cuddling, hugging and holding hands does wonders for our happiness. Human touch releases endorphins and reduces blood pressure and heart rate. It's an excellent way to calm down and become contented and happy.
#4 Zone Out
It's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the demands of our lives, just remember to take some time out to relax and decompress. Try not to over-schedule your days and make time to kick up your feet. Think about your weekend plans and ways to have fun, too.
#3 Treat Yourself
Sometimes it's just better to eat the cookie and take the day off, especially on particularly low days. Treating yourself to things that make you happy is a great way of taking care of yourself. So go on, be nice to yourself.
#2 Spend Time With Friends
Studies have shown that spending regular time with friends is more effective in coping with depression than antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Social interaction does wonders for boosting confidence and promoting healthy self esteem. Time to call up your BFF!
#1 Spread the Love
People who volunteer are likely to be happier than those who don't, regardless of money or socioeconomic factors. Researchers believe that volunteering increases empathy, which makes for a greater appreciation of all the good things in your life. Time to show the world what your made of!
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