Sometimes, we feel sad or “off” and it’s normal! This is part of being human. This is not something to be ashamed or guilt about. You must realize that you are the one responsible for your happiness. Therefore, it is up to you to take control and act.
Today’s blog post will help you find happiness and bring out the best in yourself. I share ten proven ways to boost positive emotions and increase happiness. Let’s get out of the funk! You don’t have to keep a fake smile on your face any longer.
10 Proven Ways to Increase Positive Emotions + Happiness
1. Gratitude Journal – This is the topic I will be preaching on for the rest of my days. Gratitude instantly lifts your mood and encourages you to notice and be grateful for the positive things in your life. This is often called the spotlight effect. Our energy flows from where our attention is. If you look at your life and think about all the problems and reasons why you have a hard time, the Universe will send you more. Here’s the best part. The Universe will send you more thanks if you spend your time being grateful for all the things in your life, including the money in your bank account. You can trust me. Gratitude is magic! Every day, I keep a gratitude journal. This small change to my daily routine has made all the difference. Find ways to be grateful whenever you can.
2. Social Connections – Humans are social creatures by nature. Social relationships are what we crave. Here is where things can get tricky. Some relationships can be unhealthy and not all relationships are healthy. Family members can become what I affectionately call energy vampires. They can drain our energy. Learn to set boundaries. Choose to surround yourself only with positive people. People who lift you up make you feel more energized. All of us are energic, and you will feel different around people. Spend more time with people who make you happy and pay attention to your feelings around others.
3. Vitamin D is vital for overall health. Did you know that vitamin D can cause mood disorders?
Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness can accompany mood changes.
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Activity that used to excite excitement are no longer interesting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety and feeling of panic
- Appetite loss
- Excessive weight loss/gain
- Trouble sleeping
* Source WebMD
You can see that not getting enough sunlight can make you feel off. Step outside and let the sun shine on you! It will warm you up and feel good. Winter months can make it difficult to get enough sunshine. You might consider purchasing a vitamin-D supplement or a light therapy lamp. The sunlight can have a profound impact on our mental health.
4. Meditation :Practicing mindfulness meditation can help you let go of negative emotions, and instead embrace positive feelings. Our breath is one of the best tools we have to control our mood. Take a deep, slow breath and use this simple mindfulness technique next time you feel anxious or stressed. It’s possible to slow down for just five minutes and meditate, and still be able to find happiness.
5. Acts of Kindness: Helping others and making an effort to be kind to others is the best way for us to feel happier. We are called to love and serve one another. We all benefit from making an effort to help those around us. For simple ways you can help others, check out my 30-day kindness Challenge. There are many ways that we can help others.
6. Regular exercise – Our bodies need to move. You know that energy is the main component of our bodies. Think about this. Imagine a day spent watching TV and being lazy, doing nothing and very little. Think about the day that you exercised and got up. You’d bet that you felt better the day you moved. You’d have more energy and a better focus all day. Yes, it is hard to get up in the morning and move around. Although it is difficult, I find that working out gives me a lift in my energy and mood, even if I only took a quick walk around my block. Good mood and good physical health are dependent on movement.
7. Laughter is the best medicine. Spend time with a friend who makes you laugh. Watch a funny film or watch a high vibe program. Play games with your children. Whatever it is, do something you know will help you get moving. Have fun and be silly You don’t have to be serious about life!
8. Create a new hobby: We are creators. We have an inborn desire to create. To share our talents and love. It is part of our DNA. Writing is my way of expressing my desire to create. Perhaps knitting is your creative outlet. Let your creativity flow and find a creative outlet. I challenge you to take that pottery class or improv class that you have been eyeing. Do what you want! !
9. Pay attention to your thoughts: Your thoughts have power. Your beliefs are the result of what you think and believe on a daily basis. You can shape your beliefs by focusing on positive thoughts and stopping negative thoughts from coming up. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts and blaming yourself (which can lead to a vicious circle), admit them and be curious as to why they came up. Asking questions and being curious can help you uncover an unconscious belief that you need to let go of.
10. Go outside: Being in nature healsand is good for your soul. You can take a moment outside and put your shoes on to try ” Grounding”. It’s so good for the soul! It’s hard to deny the benefits of being outdoors in nature. When I feel down, I head to the mountains with my shoes off and go for a walk.
Benefits of Grounding:
- It reduces inflammation.
- Reduces pain
- Reduces stress response
- Variability in heart rate increases
- Sleep better
- Cortisol rhythm is improved
- Increases wound healing.
- Lowers blood viscosity
*source
This is how you can improve your happiness in ten different areas. These ideas should inspire you to get involved and improve your mood. You can find happiness in yourself. Every day is a new beginning.
You are responsible for your happiness. You can choose to be happy. Every day we have to make that choice.
You should seek professional help if you feel out of control or unable to do what you need. There was a time when I took an antidepressant to balance my hormones and get back my self-esteem. If you feel that you need it, please seek help! It is okay to need help from time-to-time.
