What brings you joy? Perhaps it’s rising early to watch the dawn, spending the weekend with family and friends, or taking a swim in the ocean. So what does science have to say about the behaviors of the contented?
We are aware that happy people frequently have solid interpersonal bonds, are in good physical shape, and give back to their communities.
In an effort to better my own mental health and learn how to best help others, over the past seven years, I have experimented with a variety of happiness and wellness therapies. Some tactics have been successful for me while others haven’t. Yet, this is what I’ve discovered along the way.
The truth is that we will occasionally be able to practice happiness habits and feel upbeat. Then there will be times when life will surprise us, which will have an impact on our happiness. The good news is that with regular practice, we can all increase our levels of happiness.
- Get your body moving.
My body requires consistent movement throughout the day. My body and mind do not like to sit for extended periods of time. I’ll at the very least take a brisk daily hour-long stroll. I also enjoy dancing, yoga, and swimming.
Frequent exercise and physical activity rank highly on the happiness scale because research repeatedly shows a relationship between physical activity and improved subjective wellbeing, or happiness.
According to research, 30 minutes of daily walking might enhance your health. Yet, research on happiness reveal that people experience greater benefits from moderate to vigorous exercise that elevates heart rate.
Anything that significantly shortens your breath and prevents you from singing is considered moderate exercise.
2. Give connection priority
The most recent research on happiness demonstrates the significance of social ties in terms of general wellness and life satisfaction. Yes, I strive to make it a practice to prioritize spending time with friends and family and talking, listening, sharing, and having fun.
Yet, a recent study indicated that social interaction with friends and family is often higher when we are miserable and lower when we are pleased. This might be the case because when our happiness is consistent, we naturally seek out comfort and support to feel happier and engage in other activities.
It seems to come down to finding the right balance; spending too much time alone might result in unpleasant emotions, therefore interacting with other people is a healthy method to counteract this and improve our mood.
On the other hand, when we are content and joyful, we are more likely to encourage others and lend a sympathetic ear. Yet, spending time with friends and family can increase happiness in both the short and long term.
3. Show gratitude
Our happiness levels are greatly influenced by our viewpoint on life and the way we view the world. According to studies, cultivating an attitude of optimism and thankfulness helps fend off unpleasant feelings and boost happiness.
I feel better and more optimistic when I practice daily thankfulness, such as by counting my blessings or making a list of things I am grateful for during the day. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways, such as by keeping a daily thankfulness notebook, which can be stored on your phone or written down.
The three positive aspects A quick and simple habit to form for raising optimism is intervention. Simply record three positive events each day and think back on what was beneficial.
There are several apps available today that can remind you to be grateful and keep track of it. You may make vision boards and daily affirmations for your days using other applications. It’s all about the subtly encouraging positivism, which the data supports, even though some may seem gimmicky. Or, to put it another way, establishing and practicing an attitude of gratitude and appreciation often helps you feel better about yourself and your life. You can see the wider picture and develop greater resiliency by practicing gratitude.
Giving thanks, such as telling someone what you are thankful for that day or sending thank-you notes, is another way to cultivate thankfulness more organically. It may sound cliché, but this is crucial since studies show that everyday appreciation is linked to higher levels of pleasant emotions and better social welfare.
4. Spending time with animals is beneficial.
My pets help me feel happy every day and are an integral part of our family routine. Because I have dogs, I find it easier to go on walks. According to research, dogs encourage their human counterparts to exercise more, which leads to a shared pleasure that increases both parties’ satisfaction.
I also like to have tea and read a book while cuddling with my pets. According to studies, having a family pet has numerous positive effects on our health and happiness. In addition to offering company, they also help us feel happier and more confident while lowering our risk of anxiety and depression.
Social interactions and physical and mental exercise are the key components for happiness, according to study. And achieving a sense of flow in our daily actions and goals might make our lives happier and more satisfying.
This article is republished from The Conversation. Read the original article.
