Like a full tank of gas, happiness is a vital component to your health and well-being. Happiness is also a major predictor of success and life satisfaction.
Happiness is a feeling of contentment and a sense that your needs are met. Studies have shown that being happy can lead to better physical and mental health, deeper social connections, and even a longer lifespan.
1. Take care of yourself
Research has shown that taking care of yourself can help increase happiness. It can also improve your health and ability to cope with challenges. Self-care includes small, intentional acts that cater to your emotional, mental or physical needs.
Some easy ways to take care of yourself include listening to music that makes you feel happy or inspired, making a list of things you’re grateful for or connecting with people who can offer support. These activities can be free or inexpensive and are important for maintaining a healthy well-being.
2. Get enough sleep
Sleep is one of the pillars of happiness, and getting enough of it can help you feel more resilient and less reactive. Studies show that consistent sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive functions and cause you to be more likely to view happiness as a zero-sum experience. In our study, people who sleep poorly endorsed this view of happiness more than those who got good sleep. This in turn leads to social comparison and a reduced ability to savor positive experiences, all of which decrease happiness.
4. Eat a healthy diet
Research is showing that the food we eat affects our mood and mental wellbeing. Nutrient-rich foods promote the body’s natural feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. High levels of serotonin help to regulate our moods, while dopamine helps manage motivation and attention. It’s a good idea to try and vary the types of foods you eat, as some meals may have a greater impact on happiness than others. For example, studies have found that eating a healthy dinner can induce more happiness than snacks.
5. Spend time with family and friends
Spending time with family and friends can be beneficial to your health. Studies show that those with strong social networks and healthy relationships have a lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Additionally, the emotional support provided by family and friends can help with mental wellness. Spending time with those you care about can also boost your self-esteem and remind you of all the things you have to offer. It can be as simple as going out to get ice cream with a sibling or calling a friend during your commute.
7. Get a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is not only vital to our overall health, but it can also help boost happiness. If you’re not getting enough rest, it can leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day. To improve your sleep, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each night and stick to a regular routine. In addition, a short evening walk or relaxing meditation before bed can also help. The latest skill in the Proof Positive happiness toolkit: SLEEP FOR HAPPINESS!
8. Take time for yourself
The trick to taking time for yourself is making it a priority. Schedule time for things that make you happy into your day, like exercising or reading a book. This will ensure that you get the me-time you need, without leaving it to chance or other life commitments.
Don’t forget the basics, either – eating healthy food, sleeping well and showering daily are important parts of taking care of yourself. And don’t forget that happiness is all about how you feel, not how others perceive you.