10 ways to boost our happiness :-)

10 tips for a healthier, happier you ☺

Life isn't always perfect and we all get down sometimes.

However, there are many things we can do to improve our cheerfulness no matter what comes our way.

From "instant happiness boosts" to techniques for long-term contentment, here are 10 top ways to boost our happiness:

1. Watch a comedy movie

We've all heard that laughter is the best medicine, and if you're feeling down in the dumps then this is definitely true.

Laughter can not only release pent-up emotions, but it also produces endorphins to boost our mood.

Furthermore, research has found that laughing burns calories and boosts heart health, too!

So, to get our happiness levels up and boost our well-being, too, let's pop in a comedy DVD next time we're feeling down! ☺

2. Eat yourself happy

While our outlook often changes based on external factors...if our mood is often low, health experts say it may be that we are suffering from a nutrient deficiency.

Research has found that having low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (which are essential for good brain health) increases risk of depression and negativity, while research by Kuopio University in Finland found that taking Vitamin B supplements could help treat depression.

3. Get outdoors

Research has shown that low levels of Vitamin D can contribute to mood disorders and depression.

While Vitamin D can be found in some foods or taken as supplement, one of the best sources of the mood-boosting vitamin is sunshine, which helps the body to create Vitamin D.

To boost our supplies of Vitamin D, health experts suggest we try to spend 10-15 minutes outdoors 2-3 times-a-week.

4. Have a work-out

For an instant happiness boost when we're feeling down, let's try hitting the gym or heading out for a brisk walk or run.

Exercise releases chemicals in the brain such as endorphins and anandamide which can boost our mood and leave us feeling great!

Not only that, exercise is also good for boosting confidence levels and increasing self-esteem.

5. Try aromatherapy

While many of us think of aromatherapy as an aid to relaxation, there are also many oils we can use to boost our happiness and help alleviate depression.

Good aromatherapy oils that can perk us up include bergamot, geranium, neroli and jasmine.

To lift our mood, let's try adding a few drops of these oils to water and burning on an oil burner, or create or purchase  a room spray containing these essential oils.

6. Take a risk

To get the endorphins going and give our confidence a boost, let's try challenging ourself on a regular basis.

While it is of course not advisable to put ourself in any danger, if there is something we have been putting off for a while out of fear, now is the time to bite the bullet, so to speak, and see it through.

Whatever we fear ~ be it joining a gym or applying for a job abroad ~ conquering our fears will leave us feeling great as well as helping us achieve our dreams.

7. Talk it out

If you are feeling seriously down and have been feeling low for a while, it is important to seek some help to get through this difficult phase.

Seek out a (trusted) friend or counsellor to listen to your problems, or visit your doctor if you think you may be suffering from depression.

No matter how bad you feel, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there is no shame in seeking help.

As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved, and even talking through your issues can help them seem less overwhelming.

8. Schedule in regular treats

To boost our happiness and satisfaction of life, it is important to make the most of those little things that boost our mood.

Let's make a list of the day-to-day things that make us happy...such as having a catch-up with a friend, drinking hot chocolate in bed, having a good massage, or listening to our favorite song ~ and make sure we schedule one of these treats into every day.

Planning regular treats not only gives us something to look forward to, but it can also subtly improve each day.

9. Do something selfless

It is easy to get bogged down in our own problems, so every once in a while, it is good to put our issues to one side and help someone else feel happy instead.

Whether we want to take on a long-term volunteering role, make a donation to charity, or improve the happiness of someone we know with a thoughtful note or gift...making an effort to make someone else smile is a great way to get some perspective, take our mind off our problems and increase our sense of purpose and fulfillment.
(*In my case, I feel at peace whenever I go visit the abandoned elderly at the St.Vincent's Home For The Aged. I was very close to my late dad when he was still alive...and somehow, visiting this Home For The Aged makes me 'remember' him and hopefully, somewhat 'lessens the pain' of missing him. ♥)

10. Set yourself a goal

Whether we aspire to get fit (that's one of my goals!) or learn how to cook something other than toast (hehehe), most of us have something we long to achieve during our lifetime.

Rather than putting off our dreams until a perfect moment which may never come, let's take some positive action and make a plan of how we will achieve our goal starting today.

Having something to work on, will not only distract us from whatever problems we may have, it will also reignite our passion for life and increase our excitement for the future! ☺