5 Very Free Ways to Feel Happier Today
It’s 10 a.m. on a workday, you’ve just spilled your coffee on your new white top, and things are piling up on your desk faster than you could possibly imagine. You’re sitting there wishing that you could transport yourself to this time yesterday, when you were resting in bed doing the Sunday crossword. But unfortunately, time travel isn’t possible, and that work isn’t going to complete itself. Luckily, there are a few simple ways that you can help yourself feel happier in the here and the now.
1. Give the gift of kindness.
Despite what you’ve learned from years of Christmases, gift giving doesn’t always have to mean forking out your entire savings. Performing an act of kindness can be as simple as complimenting a stranger on her shoes or giving up your seat on the bus.
Try it today, and discover how making someone’s day has the powerful ability to do the same for you.
2. Get back to nature.
In a 2013 study, 10,000 participants vowed to spend 30 minutes outside per day for 30 consecutive days, to determine whether time spent outdoors can increase happiness.
“We found that participants almost doubled their time spent outside during the month and reduced their screen time by about four and a half hours per week,” said Trent University Researcher Dr. Elizabeth Nisbet.”They reported significant increases in their sense of well-being, feeling more vitality and energy, while feelings of stress, negativity, and sleep disturbances were all reduced.”
Give it a try and you’ll be surprised how much a bit of vitamin D can literally brighten up your day.
3. Move your body.
When you’re in a slump, getting active might feel like your last priority. But by simply moving your body around, you can lift your mood.
“Exercise has many benefits,” said dietitian and health expert, Belinda Reynolds. “It’s not only useful for your muscle tone and weight management, but also increases circulation, and boosts your mood and ability to focus.”
Our expert recommends taking a brisk power walk around the block or the closest park. “You will feel more energized as a result.”
4. Get your beauty sleep.
While it sounds obvious, a lack of sleep can take a serious toll on your mood, memory, concentration, and your work performance — all of which can seriously drain the smile out of you.
Our expert recommends getting yourself into a good routine of heading to bed at a decent time each night, and maintaining consistency with your patterns. “And avoid exposing yourself to the light emitted from electronic devices in the couple of hours before bed. This will assist better quality sleep,” she said.
5. Smile
Here’s one you can try right now! There’s been solid evidence drawn from multiple studies to suggest that just smiling — even if it’s not sincere — has the ability to elevate your mood.
When your face uses its designated smiling muscles, endorphins are sent to your brain, which we all know act as a natural mood booster and a stress reliever. Well, what do you know? “Fake it ’til you make it” just got a new meaning!
This article was originally written by Katie Skelly. For more, check out our sister site, Now to Love.
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