Happiness can come and go quickly, but very few people consider themselves to be truly happy people. According to a Harris Poll Survey of American Happiness from 2017, only 33% of Americans identify as “very happy.” But the good news is that we can do a lot to improve that. So if you’re not happy with your life, try these tips from life coach Dr. Jaime Kaluga and clinical psychologist Dr. Inna Khazan for boosting your mood.
- Get rid of toxic people in your life - It’s not easy to cut loose people you’ve been close to, but if they don’t share similar goals and values as you, don’t inspire or motivate you to be better, or don’t want the best for you, it may be time to say bye bye.
- Eat healthy - Feeling good starts from the inside out, so if you’re loading up on junk food, you’re affecting your potential happiness. “Your gut is the gateway to feeling good,” Dr. Kulaga explains. “When you eat processed foods and fast foods, serotonin struggles to get out of your gut and distribute through your body.” And that’s why our mood dips.
- Exercise - It makes you feel good, which boosts confidence, plus it gives you an endorphin rush, so working out can get you feeling happy in a hurry.
- Be grateful - Taking time to realize all the things you’re thankful for in your life can increase happiness because it helps you realize it’s not about wanting more, it’s being aware of what you already have.
- Unplug - A digital detox, even for just a few hours can help us be mindful and appreciate the good in front of us.
- Get in touch with nature - Research shows a connection between spending time outdoors in green areas and overall wellbeing.
- Stop comparing yourself to others - Social media makes it so easy to do, but those comparisons can shake our self-confidence and make us doubt ourselves, which actually decreases happiness.
- Get plenty of sleep - Make sure you’re getting enough rest because one of the first things sleep deprivation affects is our mood.
Source: Best Life