Given that happiness has become an ideal in modern times marked by stress and chronic disease, the science of happiness provides essential recommendations and Simple Life Habits for Happiness to achieve a greater sense of well-being every day.
1. List 3 Things You Feel Grateful for Every Day.
Writing down three positive things about your day can significantly impact the “retraining” of your brain to feel more gratitude and, as a result, feel happier. It is recommended to pair this practice with another habit, such as brushing your teeth, to make it easier to remember. Becoming more aware of the things you feel grateful for—even small things like your morning cup of coffee or a friend’s call—is a great way to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
2. Get Moving.
People who are physically active, even for small amounts of time each week (150 minutes or less), have lower odds of developing depression. The options for adding activity to your day are endless:
- Take your dog for a walk.
- Do a workout at a playground.
- Practice mobility drills while watching TV.
3. Help Others.
Research has shown that helping others activates the same areas in the brain that are associated with reward and happiness. Find a way to do something kind for another person every day, whether it’s a big or small gesture:
- Send a message of support to someone who needs it.
- Help your neighbors.
- Send a friend their favorite book.
4. Ensure You Get Enough Sleep.
Although modern Western lifestyles often impose too little sleep on us, adequate sleep is crucial for mental and physical health, as well as emotional well-being. Poor sleep affects mood, energy levels, and the overall feeling of happiness. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re also wondering why lack of sleep is one of the main factors that prevents weight loss, read the full article on this topic.
5. Meditate.
Today’s way of life often leads to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Meditation contributes to calming the nervous system through proper breathing (the diaphragm stimulates the vagus nerve). Just 10 minutes of meditation a day can begin to change your brain patterns and help you:
- Start the day in silence.
- Find a quiet place and become aware of your breathing.
- Close your eyes and count your breaths for 10 minutes.
Although learning meditation requires discipline, it doesn’t take much time, and you don’t have to do it perfectly to benefit from its positive effects.
