Happiness Is

Τhe question of how to make oneself happy is the most-asked and top-trending question on google. Since it seems that everyone is down in the dumps, we have compiled for you a list of the scientifically proven ways to make you happy.

Getting Out of your Darn House

Feeling cooped up inside all day will eventually turn you into a real version of Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Experts say that we need to do at least 30 minutes of movements each day to stay healthy. Going for a stroll is bound to increase your happiness hormones and keep you fit since walking moves all your muscles at once. Moreover, encountering sunlight is liable to prevent tensions from rising, make you escape anxiety, and bring many other health benefits for you to reap. According to Lee Chambers, an environmental psychologist and well-being consultant, “we get the benefits of sunlight, honouring our circadian rhythm and stimulating serotonin secretion.” Cornell-University research indicates that spending time in green spaces eliminates both physical and psychological stress. So, leave the confines of your home for a while and set your sight on nice flowers or some adorable children playing outside. 

Ditching Your Phone

Sinking into your comfy sofa to scroll down your phone is one of the luxuries of modernity that we are all tempted by; however, scientists say that spending a long time staring at your phone will adversely impact your short-term memory and wreak havoc on your problem-solving skills. Therefore, stop feeling anxious if you can’t find your phone after 10 minutes of no use. Curb your technological addiction by embarking on other tasks and activities to fill your day with. Turn off notifications and download time-management applications, such as ‘YourHour’ which spots how much time you spend on each application and prevents you from using addictive applications. Instead, curl up with a book and get lost in another world. Set your phone aside on the weekends and devote your time to learn something new. Spending one’s time in a constructive way gives our brains a rush of dopamine, boosts self-esteem, and evokes a sense of accomplishment. 

Being Nice to Others

Being kind to people prompts them to treat you kindly. Psychologists say that brightening other people’s days is an instant happiness booster. Besides, you never know how it is like in the lives of those around you. Maybe your uplifting compliments are the only thing that this person needs to reclaim his happiness and faith in humanity. Remember to smile at others because happiness spreads like wildfire, and the more we help others, the better we feel about ourselves. So, walk up every day with a commitment to help someone before the day ends. Whether you will leave your seat for an elderly person on the subway, listen to your colleague’s problems, or rescue some stray kittens, chances are these brief acts of kindness will make your day.

Taking a Positive Spin on Struggles

Whenever you face an irritating situation, try to search for any positive outcomes that you might receive. Smiling and doing breathing exercises can trick your brain into believing that you are happy. When we smile, our bodies undergo chemical reactions that uplift our mood. Therefore, instead of criticizing yourself regularly in your brain with a voice that resembles your dad in a lecturing mood, take a positive outlook on stress-inducing situations and tell yourself that every problem has a solution. Consequently, you will realize your problems are not insoluble as you thought. Furthermore, according to New York Times, poor posture can reduce your happiness quotient dramatically. When you slouch, you become more likely to get into bad moods. Therefore, straighten your back, feel self-confident, and tell yourself that you can do it!

Meditating and Being Grateful

Meditation is one of the best activities that you can do to sort through your thoughts calmly. So, dedicate 20 minutes every day to think about the things that are bothering you and notice your thought patterns. This exercise will help you know more about yourself, improve your problem-solving skills, and see obstacles in a new light. The Journal of Positive Psychology also indicates that practising gratitude can up your happiness and improve your life quality. That is why experts recommend that you start each day by remembering one thing that you are grateful for. You might do this while brushing your teeth or preparing your breakfast. 

Getting a Dog

Got the blahs? Feeling super down? Then, get yourself a pub because these furry pals might be the kindest and loveliest creatures on earth! According to Dr. Karen Becker, dog gazes trigger the release of the Oxytocin love hormone. This explains why we always hear the phrase “who rescues who” as it is scientifically proven that dogs bring considerable happiness into our lives, upping our physical and mental health to a great extent. Moreover, people who have dogs have a higher propensity to recover from illness than non-dog owners. Dogs also give the best cuddles and kisses which are cold and sloppy, especially during winter but are still so heart-warming. When your dogs lick your face, they are not just telling you that your skin tastes good; dog experts say that licking is a sign of respect and care. Licking is dogs’ special language which they use to tell humans that they are the pack leaders. Another interesting revelation by New York Times says that dogs have receptors inside their tongues to gather information and tell if you are happy or sad. So, these damp licks are like your dog’s stethoscope that it uses to check out on you and make sure you are cared for.