Happiness is not random - it’s under our control. Just as we work on improving our physical health, we should work on improving our mental health. Luckily, the following ten tips are all things you can do right now without drastically changing your way of life, and they’re guaranteed to make you feel better. The happier we are the more fulfilled we will feel and the more we will be available and able to positively impact the lives of others! Try out these 10 tips below to start feeling happier today! 1. Compliment Somebody: You ever notice how good it feels to say something nice to someone? That’s because by validating someone else, we are also validating ourselves. Plus, compliments strengthen our bonds with others and encourage them to want to be around us. It’s a virtuous cycle! 2. Make Lists and Cross Them Off: Nothing feels better than crossing an item off your “To Do” list. But even better--and more satisfying--is setting yourself up well to tackle every task. That’s why it’s important to organize and plan. Often our anxiety is most prevalent when we feel overwhelmed by everything we have to do. But planning out a strategy to get things done, instead of focusing on how much we have to do, can help in maintaining a level head when dealing with a pile of tasks. 3. Drink More Water: Hydration is necessary for life, but it’s also necessary for your happiness too. In a study done by the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory, they found that even mild dehydration led to trouble concentrating, fatigue, and headaches in women. Before you leave the house, grab a bottle of water to take with you, your mood may depend on it. 4. Create a Routine: Next time, before you go to bed or get ready for the day, think about what you need to accomplish and the best method for doing so. By having a morning and/or bedtime routine, you’ll likely find that you’re able to get out of the house or go to sleep faster. Being on time for work makes your boss happy, and going to sleep faster will make you happy. 5. Get Your Daily Dose of Magnesium: The mineral magnesium helps your body store energy, and comes naturally in legumes, peas and peanuts. One cup of white beans has 134 milligrams and a cup of frozen peas has 35 milligrams. If you workout a lot, restoring your magnesium supply is especially important, as sweating reduces your magnesium levels by a lot. 6. Dance When No One Is Watching (Or Even If They Are): Dancing releases endorphins, which in turn make you happy. But besides that, dancing is a great way to express yourself, whatever mood you’re in. Sometimes, the best way to deal with a bad day is to dance it out. And - dancing is a great workout, too! 7. Step Outside the Box: Trying something new can bring new challenges, but also new excitement, to your life. People who travel or try new hobbies are often more fulfilled than those who stick to their normal routines. Our brains are stimulated by surprise, and giving yours a healthy dose of it can lead to feeling happier. 8. Forgive Others, and Yourself: Life is too short to hold grudges and to stay upset! Holding onto a grudge against someone, or even against yourself, does nothing but reinforce negative feelings. Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, happiness researchers who edited The Psychology of Happiness, say that forgiveness helps to lessen bitterness and resentment, two emotions that prevent happiness. 9. See the Light of Day: Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to higher rates of depression, so it’s important to replenish the body’s supply of Vitamin D, especially in the winter months. Spending just ten minutes in the sun each day can raise Vitamin D levels, but keep in mind that wearing SPF limits the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D. To work around this, try taking a Vitamin D supplement, which can be found at most grocery or health stores. 10. Give Back:
Volunteer at your local animal shelter or soup kitchen and odds are that when you’re done you’ll feel better. Giving back to those in need enables us to appreciate all that we have and gives us perspective on our problems. Plus, volunteer work is always needed--you’ll be aiding society in a truly meaningful way.
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