How to Be Happier Right Now!
By Sara Butler
There’s more to healthy living than just following eating or exercise plans. It’s important to make an effort to find something every day that makes you happy – you may be surprised by how big of an impact that can have on your life. Here are some tips to help you find something to be happy about every single day!
Why Being Happy is Important
According to the National Academy of Sciences, happiness has an impact on your health by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your system. A constant excess of cortisol can put you at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension. So, if you’re struggling to find happiness on a daily basis, then you need to try to find a way to change it!
Your First Thoughts of the Day
When you trudge into the bathroom in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and find something good to say about yourself. You have to make a commitment to think positively in the morning and not focus on the things that you want to change. Try listening to your favorite music, something you find uplifting. Envision your day in a positive way and think about the things you are looking forward to on this day.
Don’t Be Negative
When you focus on the bad things in people or in yourself, that’s a destructive behavior that will only sour your outlook on the hours ahead. You need to snap yourself out of it when you start to go down that rabbit hole. One strategy you can use is to wear a rubber band around your wrist. When you start to think negatively give yourself a little flick to snap out of it. Don’t hurt yourself; you simply want to train your mind not to go there!
Let Your Inner Child Out
If you feel stressed out (and who doesn’t?) you should shut off your computer, your phone and disconnect from the world as you take the time to reconnect with your inner child. Spend a few minutes each day thinking of something you want to do, something cool you’ve always dreamed of. Dream big! That will help to connect you with the imagination and creativity you once had as a child. There are no limits to this daydream - make it fun and silly. Be the Queen of England for a day!
Get Enough Sleep
When you’re well rested it’s easier to be positive and happy, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night. If you’re not getting enough rest, then you need to focus on ways you can get there. Create a nighttime routine for yourself and make sure your bedroom is cool and dark to promote deep sleep!