There are some easy techniques to encourage happiness which are scientifically tested strategies that act like a “happiness boost.”
When practiced consistently over time and every day, they become “happiness habits.”
Try these strategies that you can practice immediately to get a shot of naturally induce happy chemicals!
1. Do some exercise.
Exercise boosts your positive mood. The effect of aerobic exercise is especially noticeable when you start an exercise session while feeling a little “down”. In other words, physical exercise can lift you up and endorphins kick into your body, which is like the “happy pill””
It does not need to be long, but 20 minutes aerobic exercise to get the heart pumping is enough every day. If you have a pacer, the advice is 2 x 5,000 steps in the day. However, I realise that this is not always possible but maybe you can go for a long walk over the weekend.
Drink plenty of water.
2. Call a friend or family member.
A conversation with a positive friend can have a lasting positive happiness effect. This can increase your energy and cultivate motivation and reduce your stress. You will find that the conversation evolves and you will also feel good as you may encourage your friend to feel in a better place too.
You could arrange to do some of the exercise with your friend!!
3. Write down 3 things you are grateful for.
Many people maintain a journal in which they write down the things for which they are grateful. The simple exercise of acknowledging your good fortune by identifying “three good things,” has been shown to provide both an immediate and lasting effect on happiness and remember that you deserve to be valued, happy and content.
Write a journal for six months for just five minutes and this may then continue you as a lifetime habit. .
4. Imagine the best-case outcome for your near future.
Imagining being your “best possible self” makes you significantly more positive and happy and this delivers a range of positive emotions. The path to ultimate inner peace and happiness is to change your mind-set to thinking in the realistic positive zone, when thinking about the future: Optimists believe they control the things around them. So, in some ways, you have to pretend you’re an optimist!” In line with common belief, thinking positively and happily (yet realistically) about the future is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Take a few minutes to imagine personal autonomy and write down the best-case scenario for the coming months or years. You may be surprised to discover how bright this possible future may be.
5. Set an intention for the day.
One of the most established and validated models of happiness is your personal course of action. Setting a daily intention to guide your day puts you in the driver’s seat, where you can make conscious decisions, rather than react to incoming demands. You may not be able to get your way all the time, but simply being aware of what you intend to accomplish will provide you with a sense of purpose, AND an opportunity to be consistent in the way you interact with the world.
So, I would love to hear about your newly formed intentions!
Let me know and contact me on the details below. www.gillmathias.com info@gillmathias.com
01530 589216