If you're looking to make 2017 the best year ever, then you should start with making yourself the best you ever. One way to do that is to work on your happiness levels. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a particularly upbeat person, there are plenty of ways to boost your mood for the better this year.
There are several studies that indicate that working out breeds happiness. One scientific reason is that working out releases dopamine. Dopamine is our bodies way of rewarding us for certain behaviors. Exercising at a gym will release dopamine into your brain which is a happy rewarding feeling of accomplishment. When feeling rewarded we are encouraged to continue to exercise. As we exercise our fitness improves and we gain self confidence and lose anxiety . Both have direct impacts on increasing happiness . It is recommended to get at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, but any amount helps.
Spend Time Outside
A dose of nature will do wonders for happiness. In the past humans spent the majority of their time in nature, and today's world is spent mostly indoors. Getting outside will boost happiness by having a connection to the natural world around us. Being in nature gives us time to clear our minds and reflect on our experience. University studies have shown that spending time in nature will develop a more positive mood and increase happiness. Exercising outside will have an even more profound impact on your overall happiness in 2017, plan a hike with your dog or an outdoor run. Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive.
Get More Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important activities to our happiness and wellbeing. Any one who has ever been tired knows that an exhausted person is not a happy person. The recommended amount of sleep per night per person is 7 to 9 hours. A university study shows that subjects who slept less experienced repeatedly negative thoughts. Getting more sleep is also related to exercise and spending more time outside. When we exercise , especially outdoors, it makes us tired and ready to get some rest when our bodies feel ready for rest.
Think Positive, Be Mindful and Reflect
Positive thinking will promote self confidence , success and happiness. The idea is that you can do anything that you think you can do. If you would like to become happier, then think that you are happier. Ideas and thoughts become behaviors and actions that we demonstrate. The power of having a positive idea eventually manifests itself in the physical world. Once you begin to think in a more positive manner you begin to realize that anything within your thoughts is possible. The second important part of positive thinking is taking the time to reflect on your experiences. Self reflection is a powerful tool in understanding what is working and what is not working in your life. When you reflect on the outcome of positive thinking you begin to understand how to influence your life at the current moment. One of the most powerful tools we have as humans is being mindful of our current state. This means being aware of are surroundings and living in the moment. When we become more mindful we are able to understand how to increase our happiness .
Empathy and Helping Others
Empathy is described as being able to sense the emotions of others and feel what others are feeling for yourself. Empathy can lead to happiness, and empathy often leads to helping others in need. When you see another human struggling you can show empathy and beyond just what you see, feel what that person is feeling. When you can actually picture yourself in the same scenario as another unfortunate person, it is a great opportunity to help. By offering your assistance, no matter how small it can mean the world to another person. This can be as simple as saying hi to someone who looks lonely. It can be helping someone buy food, or things that they need. Empathy reminds us that we are all human, we all breath the same air. Helping others in need will advance their happiness and your own happiness.
Shawn is always looking for natural ways to live a healthier and more productive life. When she's not trying out new green smoothie recipes or hiking in the local mountains, you can find her sharing ways to optimize your body.