5 Exercises to Boost Your Happiness
We all have bad habits that consume us: binging on junk food, spending too much time looking at a screen, laying in bed all day, etc. Little do we know, these habits can negatively affect our health. Ever lay in bed all day only to feel more tired when you wake the next day? Instead of finding comfort in your bed watching TV with potato chips and chocolate all day, try one of these 5 exercises to boost your happiness instead.
1. Appreciate the little things.
It could be the kind stranger who held the door open for you at the store or the perfect cup of coffee you made that morning. Appreciating these little things can set your tone for the day. They are often taken for granted, yet they have the power to increase your happiness. Allow yourself to enjoy those little treats in life that make you smile. And guess what? According to many health experts, the simple act of smiling actually can improve your mood. You could be that stranger to make someone else’s day special with one smile, while benefiting yourself along the way.
2. Actually exercise.
It is scientifically proven that exercising releases endorphins in the body that boost your mood and overall well-being. Now I don’t mean go run 5 miles and lift some weights. There are other ways to exercise your body and mind. Go for a walk outside in the fresh air. Exercise your mind through reading. Take a hike up a mountain at sunset and admire nature’s beauty. You don’t have to complete an intense workout to release endorphins.
3. Reflection.
Keep a journal where you can record your days. Take it a step further and write down everything that you are thankful for. You can look back at the snapshot that you captured of time and reflect on your past blessings. Compare and contrast what your life was like versus what it is now. Following these exercises will put you in a better place. Recording your present life gives you the opportunity to reflect on it later.
4. Be positive.
I know it sounds cheesy but having a positive outlook keeps your mind away from the holes of depression, stress and anxiety. The glass is half-full, not half-empty. A common defense are the responses, “I’m just being realistic” or “I don’t want to get my hopes up.” You can be realistic without being negative and hope is something that brings light into the world. Don’t be the Debby Downer in the group. No one wants to be that person or be around that person.
5. Live in the moment.
We all know the phrase, “YOLO!” In fact, I’m sure we’ve heard it being shouted by some kids doing something that they probably shouldn’t be. Well, however annoying that phrase may be, it’s true: you only live once. Life is too short to be regretting something that happened in the past or feeling anxiety about something to come in the future. Live in the present because that’s all we have. Time is precious.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s nice to indulge in those bad habits at times but don’t make it a lifestyle. You’ll find yourself a happier person when replacing those indulgences with some better habits. You only have one life so don’t waste this one.
