Happiness comes from applying daily habits. We list some here.
image by sciondriver
Gretchen Rubin of the Huffington Post wrote a now famous article, “8 ways to be happy right now“. We totally resonate with Gretchen’s thinking that happiness comes from applying daily habits, specifically:
- sleeping regularly
- spending quality time with your family, and
- regular exercise
But if your feeling down right now and want an immediate boost to your happiness we wanted to add 3 more easy secrets to happiness:
1. Experience Nature:
We agree with Gretchen on point number 1 about a brisk 10 minute walk. Vigorous exercise has been shown to release natural opiates into your blood stream. This “joggers high” can last for hours. But if you’re overweight or unfit you can always slow it down. Make it a slow walk in the park, literally ‘wake up and smell the roses’. Take your time, stop and observe nature e.g. look at the details of a flower and watch the bees gathering pollen. Listen to the birds. While your doing this think of these famous words:
Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t plant or harvest or gather food into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are more valuable than they are, aren’t you?
Matthew 6:26 NIV
For exercise rotate your arms and stretch. Breath in the fresh air slowly and deeply. Close your eyes and meditate if your can, just listen to your breath and the background sounds of birds.
2. Watch A Funny DVD:
Watch the funniest DVD you can find. Laughter is guaranteed to make you happy. Belly laughter also releases natural opiates. It’s great exercise for the heart and lungs. People underestimate the power of laughter. For survivors in concentration camps humor is what helped them survive. We highly recommend you read this famous article on the power of laughter to cope.
“Humor, more than anything else in the human makeup, affords an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.”, Victor Frankl
Also if your unhappy about the cruelty of human existence reading Victor Frankl’s famous book Man’s Search for Meaning will give you renewed hope and joy for Life whatever the circumstance.
3. Eat Some Dark Chocolate:
Research has shown that chocolate can improve your mood. But make sure you buy the 90% or more cocoa with no sugar brands. The darker chocolate tastes bitter and is an acquired taste but it is much better for you than the cheaper milk chocolate. You will also get a bigger boost of happiness.
So our best advise to be happy right now is to go for a walk and experience nature. Take your time. On your way back pick up a funny DVD and some dark chocolate. Enjoy the DVD, the Chocolate and Life!
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About Danny Sheehan
Danny lives in Hong Kong but is originally from Australia. He is Married to Maggie and together they have two children with whom they enjoy sharing and enjoying an exciting life with daily. Danny's passions are freedom, adventure and discovery, mainly in nature and science but also spiritually. He is a great believer in living in the NOW.
More about Danny Sheehan
April 15, 2009 at 7:57 am
Loved this post. You are a great writer and wove the links in so effortlessly. I especially liked the advice on chocolate. So nice to have permission.
We personal growth blogs have to support each other. I am glad to have discovered you.
Here's the way I did it. Hope you enjoy it as well.
http://www.personal-growth-with-corinne-edwards.c…
Twitter: excitedbylife
Says:
April 16, 2009 at 2:18 am
Hi Corinne, thanks for the complement. We could not agree more about personal growth blogs supporting each other especially participating in the 31 days to blog success challenge. Your article is inspiring us even more to support other blogs. Thanks for sharing.
April 15, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. This was number 10 in my 10 Ways to be Happy post
I agree that exercise of any kind is a great boost, and a walk in the park is a wonderful way to get closer to nature. I know I always feel better when I've been for a walk. It blows away the cobwebs and helps me think clearer.
Of course, exercise can also be fun – what about dancing? Whether it's a night out at a club or a dance class, this is a fun way to exercise plus you get the added bonus of social bonding which is important for happiness.
Twitter: excitedbylife
Says:
April 16, 2009 at 2:10 am
Great point Teresa. I forgot about dancing. Last time we went dancing we had a lot of fun. Salsa is very popular at the moment. A lot of clubs have free training to draw customers. We met some very fun people last time we went.