Some people always seem to be cheerful and upbeat. So what’s their secret?
Though genetics does play a role in happiness, they weren’t just born that way. Research indicates that nearly half of our happiness is determined by our behaviors and choices.
Try these 6 simple but powerful ways to cultivate more happiness in your life:
1. Connect
A Harvard study found that someone with a successful career, money and good physical health would still be unhappy without supportive, loving relationships. Set a goal to connect with at least one friend or loved one each day. Email and text messages are good, but don’t forget to include some face-to-face interaction, even if that just means a Facetime or Google Hangout while many are social distancing.
2. Appreciate
Noticing and appreciating the good in your life can boost your happiness — even in rough times. Writing in a gratitude journal can help you to focus and give you a place to reminisce about all that’s right with your world.
3. Serve
Scientific research provides compelling data to support the anecdotal evidence that giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness. Consider volunteering regularly for a cause that excites you. Look for small ways every day to help out friends, family, colleagues or strangers — even if it’s just a kind word or listening ear.
4. Play
Whether it’s playing board games or air guitar, doodling or double Dutch, play lets us explore our body’s strengths, the rules we live by, our talents, relationships, the world around us. We are creative and gifted, and we can lift ourselves to our dazzling potential by playing our way to health and happiness.
5. Rest
Consider these words from psychologist Norbert Schwarz: “Making $60,000 more in annual income has less of an effect on your daily happiness than getting one extra hour of sleep a night.” Aim for a good seven to nine hours every night — for better health and happiness.
6. Breathe
Deep breathing should be a part of our everyday life. It not only can lengthen the years that we get to live, but can make us happier, more productive and energetic. It floods your brain with feel-good hormones and can help ease stress and anxiety.
Give yourself a quick mood booster while driving in the car, cooking dinner, taking a shower, or any other time throughout the day with a few reps of Oxycise!
