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World Happiness Day – 5 ways to bring more joy to your life

Monday was World Happiness Day. Did you do anything to celebrate? Has it got you thinking about the things that make you happy?
This year’s theme was: ‘Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind’. The idea behind this day of happiness is “we can create a happier and kinder world together by adopting simple, daily practices.”
We’ve come up with a few small things you can do daily to boost your sense of happiness.

1. Do Nice Things For Other People

If you want to feel good, do good! Whether it’s doing a job for someone, buying someone a coffee or simply giving someone a hug, doing nice things for others is win-win as it’s good for them and for you.

2. Notice Beauty In The World Around You

If you notice something beautiful take a moment to really feel those feelings.
Getting out in nature is also great for your mental health so maybe try going on a walk and taking in all the natural beauty around you.
Stop to feel the trees, smell the flowers and notice the sun on your face.
Learning to be more mindful and aware of the positive things in life helps re-focus feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Mindful practices like yoga and meditation can help hone these skills.

3. Connect With People

Being around people who care about you is the best way to lift your mood. Research shows that people with broad social relationships are happier people.
So if you need a boost pick up the phone, visit a friend or simply start up a conversation with someone new.

4. Have Things To Look Forward To

Feeling positive about the future can be a great help in getting through tough days.
If you’re feeling down, think about the things you enjoy in life and try to book in things that make you happy.
It doesn’t have to be anything big – a walk with friends, a sea swim, reading a book. Set small achievable goals so you can have the satisfaction of achieving them too.

5. Take Care Of Your Body

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.
Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.”
People who exercise regularly also benefit from improved self-esteem.

Words by Laura Mitchell