There’s a strong link between our happiness and our health. But, what makes us happier people? According to research, these are the things that work:
Doing Things You Are Good At
Have a hobby where you excel? Dedicate as much time to it as possible. It can be painting, tennis or even video games.
If you are still looking for an area where you have mastery that is okay, too. Striving to become better at something can be uncomfortable in the moment, but makes you happier in the long term.
Spend Time with People You Like
Our friends and beloved family members can improve our moods and our health. In fact, the boost in happiness from seeing friends often is equal to an additional $133,000 in income. And, even introverts can benefit from greater social interaction.
Be Generous
Money that you spend on someone else gives you more happiness than the money you spend on yourself. Donate time and money to causes you believe in.
We are also made happier by compassion. When we care about the wellbeing of others, it actually increases our own, as well.
Don’t Forget the Basics
If you are feeling grumpy, it might just be because you are hungry. Eat frequently throughout the day to keep blood sugar stable.
And, if you do not get enough sleep, it’s much harder to feel happy. A bad mood in the morning is likely to last all day. But, you can sometimes reset yourself with a nap; so, if you are feeling bad, try about a half-hour of shut eye to see if it works.
In the end, adequate food and sleep are the foundation for everything else. Make sure that you are paying attention to these basics. By taking good care of yourself, you are in a better position to be happier and to make those around you happy, too.
