5 Ways To Get Happy

We all control our own happiness.
Everyone wants to be happy, and everyone is looking to find something that will make them happy, except some know that it really does comes from within. We chase the elusive happiness in acquiring more material possessions, searching for it in other people, by acquiring social statuses, seeking social approval, and in just about any other way we think will fling open the happy doors. However happiness really is a choice, our choice, and the science to back it up is growing by the day.

The happy brain.

Some of the chemicals involved in how happy we feel are Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins and Oxytocin. These are the neurotransmitters at work within our brains and when their levels are low some of their influences can include depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, apathy, frustration and a general lack of energy.

How to boost the happy vibes.

Dopamine – also known as the motivation & reward chemical, low levels can leave you stuck in a rut and getting lazier by the day. The easiest way to pump your levels is to set goals. Start with small goals and break then down if necessary in to smaller tasks but the aim is to achieve the goal you have set. Put goal setting on repeat to boost your productivity and mood.

Endorphins – this one is pretty simple, do some exercise. It really is that easy. Move your body and bathe in the endorphins. As a bonus if you partake in some form of group exercise class, you’ll get double whammy with an added boost of serotonin too.

Oxytocin – Also known as the cuddle hormone, it’s activated with a hug. So as you leave your group exercise class make sure to hug your fitness buddies goodbye.

Serotonin - believed to be the regulator of our mood and linked to depression, increasing your levels of serotonin are highly beneficial to your wellbeing. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness are both highly effective in achieving this. Taking the time out of each day to reflect on all the good things you have in your life, no matter how small will send your serotonin skyrocketing.

Gratitude and the ability to be grateful for what we actually have is massively underestimated in its ability to change ones attitude and life. Add to that mindfulness and you have a winning combination.

Mindfulness is the ability to be present right in the very moment you find yourself in, fully focused with your attention on whatever you are doing right here, right now. When we allow our minds and thoughts to wander constantly to our past we can feel depressed, we may mourn for times gone by, feel regret and suffer the what ifs. And when we allow our thoughts to be constantly in our future, we feel anxious as we worry about events that have not yet unfolded or may well never unfold. It really is okay to look back and learn from our past, and to look forward to project our aspirations and dreams, just don’t unpack and move in there.

So what are you waiting for? Take action and get happy!

Set Goals
Exercise
Hug Someone
Practice Gratitude
Practice Mindfulness

With Love

Julie