Instant Happiness Hits

Health

06 January 2012 16:08

If you’re feeling down try some of these simple ways to brighten your mood today.

1 Accept who you are. The key to happiness is self-acceptance. If you’re happy with yourself, then you’re more likely to be happy in life. Write down three things you love about you right now.

2 Live in the moment. You’re not alive in the past or in the future so don’t worry about them. Concentrate on the here and now and count your blessing every day.
 
3 Learn to forgive. You can’t be truly happy without forgiving your past and letting go of your regrets. You can’t change the past, so learn from your mistakes instead of beating yourself up about them.

4 Laugh and smile. Laughing relieves tension by reducing stress-causing hormones. Even if you don’t feel like it – smile – it’s an instant mood raiser.
 
5 Cut down your to do list. Setting yourself impossible tasks only results in disappointment. Instead make your to do list manageable and reward yourself for every task you cross off.

6 Surround yourself with happy people. Happiness is infectious and studies show that you can’t help be happy when those around you are. Limit the time you spend with negative friends and family as their mood could rub off on you.  

7 Exercise and lift your mood. Exercise increases feel good endorphins and serotonin in our brain, which lifts our mood. A gentle swim or game of Badminton could do wonders for your happiness levels.

8 Run a happiness inventory. Make a list of things that make you happy, whether it’s your good health, your grandchildren or even still being able to drive your car.Thinking about your life from a positive perspective will make you happier.