“You hold the key to your own happiness.”
This is a widely used quote, and for good reason. When it comes to your happiness, only you have the capacity to make yourself happy. While this is easier said than done, as happiness really doesn’t come easy especially for many people, practicing certain habits can help you work on keeping yourself happy.
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In fact, many psychologists and researchers have studied how you can harness your own powers to life your mood and keep your spirits high without the help of drugs and alcohol, of course.
Here are habits to start this new year to keep you happy:
1. Keep tabs on what you’re grateful for. Writing down at least three things you’re happy about and thankful for on a weekly or even daily journal can greatly put you on a happy note for longer. According to a study, doing this makes you more optimistic and give you a better, more positive disposition. The study even reported that participants who kept a weekly “happy journal” experience less physical symptoms such as runny noses and headaches.
2. Be in awe of nature. Finding opportunities to be in touch with nature and just taking in its beauty can help you lessen stress. This is supported by many studies that found a relationship between experiencing a sense of awe with feeling more satisfied and less stressed. These people who indulge in awe-inspiring experiences are also more likely to be generous towards strangers and are eager to know more about the world around them.
3. Drink coffee. It’s no mystery that coffee is a stimulant, therefore boosting your focus and mood. have reported a link between coffee consumption and reduced risk for depression and suicide. So raise your mugs and enjoy your cup of joe!
4. Read. While you may not be able to go out into awe-inspiring adventures, you can replicate the experience by just reading about it through other people. Whether in the form of blogs or books, you can find yourself becoming less stressed, more satisfied, and more generous. A study conducted in 2012 have shown that people reading about awe-inspiring experiences are happier compared to those who just see pictures.
5. Meditate. Dozens of studies have proven the benefits of meditation, especially in lessening depression and anxiety. Studies specifically made on buddhist monks and long-term meditators have even found that mediation helped further develop their brains, giving them heightened awareness and emotional control. Even those who regularly meditate also have better self-awareness and memory.
6. Go outside. A study have shown the benefits of going out into the woods. Here, two groups of students were participated, where one group stayed in the woods for two nights while the other spent two nights in the city. Those who were outdoors have lower stress levels. Those who live in the forest also have lower heart rate and stress levels compared to those who live in urban areas. So when you’r stressed, go out. Or better yet, dedicate some time to unwind by going outdoors.
7. Listen to sad songs. While you may see this as a contradiction, around the world showed that listening to sad music made people regulate their negative emotions. Such songs allows them to find a sense of comfort and consolation, therefore making them feel better.
8. Spend money on others. When you have a bad day, you might feel like you deserve a pick-me-up or a present for yourself. However, have proven that people who spend money on others have higher levels of happiness than those who spend money on themselves.
9. Smile more. If there’s one thing you should be doing more this year, it is to smile. A 2011 study have shown that smiling can make you feel happier. However, faking a smile can eventually make your mood worse, so the secret is to find a happy (of funny) thought and will illicit a genuine smile from your lips.
10. Let go of grudges. According to a , holding grudges creates negative emotions that leaves you with not much room for positive thoughts and happiness. Those who have learned to forgive and let go of grudges have shown better overall health, less stress, improved physical ability, and longer lifespans.
These are just some of the many scientifically backed habits to start practicing now so that you will have a better outlook in life. Cultivating such positive habits also helps ensure that you are on the right track in your recovery from drug, alcohol or behavioral addictions.
Having trouble staying positive because of troubles caused by addiction? Seek help now. Call or text us at our confidential helpline: 09175098826.
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