According to the Oxford dictionary, to feel happy is to be content or to show pleasure, and if the number of self-help books is anything to go by, most of us seek the key to happiness. And, why not? Happy people are a lot healthier than unhappy people. Happiness helps to strengthen your immune system, improves your sleep, and enhances motivation.
Some people are naturally happier than others, but if you’re not so happy it’s nice to know that you can take action to increase your level of happiness. This cheerful infographic examines the happiness hormones and gives some simple advice on how to up your happiness index.
Happiness comes from within. You can learn to drop the negativity that gets in the way of true happiness. Be kind to yourself, and don’t continually ruminate over the mistakes that you’ve made. Get out and about! Exercise, like a walk in the park, is one of the finest ways to stay happy by helping you to get into the moment. Take some time out, read a book, listen to your favorite music, or watch a feel-good movie. Spend time with friends and put away your electronic devices.
Research has shown that almost 90% of Serotonin originates in the intestinal tract, so eat healthily and don’t forget to include some dark chocolate in your diet. Count your blessings. Grateful people are happy people, so start a gratitude journal and then pay it forward. People who help others are happier than those who don’t. This is because the brain produces endorphins in response to acts of altruism.