A long, deep sigh can make all the difference. It’s the physical act of letting go – grief, anxiety, sleepiness. Whatever burden you’re holding on to. Take a deep breath, sigh, and enjoy a sense of relief.
65. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
We feel good when we eat good. It’s as simple as that. Magnesium (found in spinach), calcium (found in kale) and chromium (found in broccoli) are all proven to enhance not only our health but our overall mood.
66. Daydream
Visualize your future. Or just let your mind wander. Whatever your brain decides to settle on, close your eyes, open your mind, and just let go. When you daydream, you strengthen your creativity and well-being.
67. Listen to Music
Music is scientifically proven to ease pain, reduce stress, elevate mood – and a slew of other wonderful things that are great for our physical and emotional betterment. Listening to fast music can actually motivate and increase endurance, while slow music can help a person relax as well as prevent overeating.
68. Appreciate a Work of Art
Cultured people are happier. That’s because they spend more of their moments taking in images of beauty – be it a watercolor by Van Gogh or a finger painting by your five-year-old daughter. So feast your eyes. Feast them often.
69. Let Go of Anger
Contrary to popular belief, the act of venting when we’re angry either by throwing a few jabs at a punching bag or talking it out with a friend serves only to make us feel worse. Researchers have found that doing nothing when we’re angry – essentially ignoring the emotion – more quickly leads us back to a state happiness.
Nurture your relationships. Losing touch with friends and family is one of the top 5 regrets people have on their deathbed.
Studies show that for many people the best part of a vacation is looking forward to it. This applies to everyday life in all sorts of ways. Book your massage for a few weeks out rather than today. Plan your movie date a week in advance. Savor the anticipation.
72. Don’t Let Credit Card Bills Hang Over Your Head
When we spend significant amounts of money, our brain reacts similarly to how it does when we experience physical pain. So don’t prolong the effect. Pay off your credit card bills upfront or pay for big-ticket items in cash instead.
73. Don’t Worry About Coming in First
An analysis of the facial expressions of Olympic athletes shows that bronze medal winners are typically happier than those who win the gold. Whether it’s a game of chess or a project in the workplace, focus on doing well rather than being the best.
74. Earn Your Indulgences
We appreciate rewards more when we’ve earned them. So next time you treat yourself to an ice cream cone, make yourself work for it. For example, tell yourself you can indulge in the ice cream only if you’ve first eaten three balanced, healthy meals – and hold yourself to it.
75. Take Risks
It feels good to live on the edge. That’s why skydiving and surfing are so popular. You can reap the rewards of this life in the fast lane sensation but taking small risks in ordinary activities. If you’re a surfer, try Affair Alert coupons to catch a slightly bigger wave that you might have otherwise passed up. Experiencing a little risk will increase your enjoyment of whatever activity you’re engaged in.
76. Don’t Over-Indulge
Studies show that people who are given an entire bag of chocolate candy enjoy those morsels less than people who are given just one piece of candy to taste. So if you want to increase your happiness, indulge in small portions.