Being happier doesn't have to be a long-term ambition. You can start right now. In the next half hour, take on as many of these suggestions as possible. Not only will these tasks themselves increase your happiness level, but the mere fact that you've achieved some concrete goals will boost your mood.
1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Put more energy into your voice! Take a brisk 10-min. walk. Even better...
2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood.
3. Reach out. Send an email to a firend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your friendship with others.
4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist*. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of elation. *you can show this to your parents
5. Create a more serene envinroment. Outer uniformity contributes to inner peace, so spend some time cleaning off your desk and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 mins. and see what you can do.
6. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificial smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
7. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 mins. on the internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need" to learn about.
Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal, but in fact, research shows that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, and productive--and they're more inclined to help other people. By working to boost your own happiness, you're making other people happier, too.
Check the comments please! There's something you need to know
2 comments:
The yellow words are things that you can do; the blue words are facts or scientific beliefs. (If you can't read the yellow words, just highlight them w/ your mouse)
I left out a few items on that list because they don't apply to my viewers :) but if you want the full list, click this link: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/simplify-your-life/articlers.aspx?cp-documentid=16007878>1=32028
Comment and tell me what you think! Does it really work?
BTW/FYI, the reason that I used yellow is because yellow is the color of happiness :)
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