10 ways to help you feel happier now

Many things can influence your happiness, many of which are totally outside of our control. Research suggests that 50% of happiness is determined by your genes, 10% by the circumstances in which you live, and 40% of happiness is defined by your actions, attitude and how you handle situations. Let's look at that 40%.

HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU FEEL HAPPIER EACH DAY!

BE ACTIVE

Physical activity is one of the more effective ways to increase happiness and may have lasting positive effects. Even walking around the block can make a difference, as can dancing around your living room, stretching in your office, or even cleaning the house.

SLEEP MORE

When you’re rested up, you tend to have fewer negative thoughts. Studies show sleep-deprived people often fail to recall pleasant memories, yet recall gloomy memories fine. So a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap is a vital part of staying positive.

GET A PET

Pets give unconditional love, and stroking your pet can actually help lower your blood pressure, and playing with them has shown to release feel-good chemicals in your brain, which are known to trigger pleasure, happiness and calmness.

MEDITATE

 Meditation improves wellbeing, and you don’t have to be sitting like Buddha necessarily. Meditation is about working on those constant negative thoughts, so any activity that helps you still your mind and slows down your thinking is a form of meditation and will help.

STOP DOOMSCROLLING

Doomscrolling, the act of spending excessive time absorbing negative news and social media, is killing your happiness. Turning off your phone and avoiding screens as little as an hour before bed is a simple intervention for enhancing happiness and wellbeing.

TURN UP THE TUNES

Your favourite tunes can hugely affect your emotions, and studies have found that people who intentionally listen to upbeat music have increased dopamine levels and generally feel happier.

VOLUNTEER

An effective way you can care for yourself and feel better is to care for others. According to the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, volunteers tend to have above average wellbeing and satisfaction levels.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

This seemingly simple practice can help rewire your brain to think more positively. Study results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings has both emotional and interpersonal benefits.

GET OUTSIDE

A recent study found that making time to go outside and connect with nature, as little as twenty minutes, not only boosted positive mood but broadened thinking and improved working memory. This can just mean sitting an a park, going for a walk or hike, or doing some gardening. Whatever gets your outside is great!

BE PATIENT

Studies have found that older people tend to be happier. Experts believe this is because seniors trust more, worry less and are generally better at dealing with negative emotions and anxiety. So just be patient.