7 quick tips to be happier every day
Everyone feels down from time to time. The Covid19 crisis has us all more on edge and struggling to be positive. But there are happiness habits that we can all introduce to boost our mood. Here are a few. (by Dawn Carey of the rapidly expanding mental health charity, In Charley’s Memory)
1. Laugh and smile
Laughing, smiling – even a forced laugh or smile – causes us to be happier by releasing dopamine. Try it now. Make it a habit. If you feel low, try a smile, or even a laugh. It really works.
2. Move
Exercise reduces stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression, boosting self-esteem and happiness. Walk, stretch, bounce on a mini trampoline or exercise of your choice.
“You would be amazed at how much anxiety and unhappiness that little phone in your pocket causes.”
Dawn Carey
3.Eat well
Eating the right foods is good for us physically and mentally. Fruits and vegetables nourish the brain to make thinking positively easier.
4. Be thankful
Simply being thankful boosts our mind, hope and happiness. Be thankful for the little things, such as your morning coffee, sunshine friends, family – anything positive.
5. Be kind
Studies show that doing acts of kindness makes you feel happy – as well as the other person. Encourage others, give compliments, help them.
6. Breathe deeply
According to studies, deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and thereby be happier.
The next time you feel stressed:
- Close your eyes. Try to envision a happy memory or beautiful place.
- Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.
- Slowly breathe out for a count of 10 through your nose.
- Repeat this process several times, until you start to feel yourself calm down.
7 Ditch your phone
Unplug. Really?
You would be amazed at how much anxiety and unhappiness that little phone in your pocket causes. It’s small gadget with a huge negative effect. it’s also highly addictive. Put it down for a few hours a day. Read. Meditate. Get into nature, Take a walk and pay attention to your surroundings. Just be.
In Charley’s Memory is a rapidly expanding mental health charity for 11 to 25-year-olds in Somerset, England. Leader Dawn’s passion is to expand into every school. They never turn anyone away or end therapy sessions.
