Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Are you happy? Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. It not only affects your mood but also your health. The old song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” warned about double trouble when worrying, so how do you choose happy?

The most important beginning step is to admit the fact that you really need changes in your life and behavior. You are the only one who can change your mood and your life.

Feed Your Brain

While many recognize the connection between lack of nutrition, sleep and hydration, and physical illness, most do not link mood changes to these deficiencies. Our mood is a result of biochemical processes which require the right resources.

You’ve probably noticed a piece of cake or sweetened tea can improve your mood, though temporarily. Eating sugar or flour-based foods generates a short-term dopamine response, but this backfires as your brain requires more and more sugar to maintain the effect.

Your brain needs a balance of micronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, and fat – from food for its well-being. It also needs water to help transport oxygen and nutrients to its cells.

There’s no need to be a scientist to recognize that sleep and mood are closely connected. Regular sleep in the right amounts will definitely give your brain the power to maintain your mood. And eating the right foods and drinking water can actually help you sleep better.

Exercise

When you are feeling off emotionally, go for a walk or a run. One of the secrets to the benefit of exercise is breathing. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you stay calm and allow your body to heal.

Not big on traditional exercise? I get it. Think of it as movement and look for a form you enjoy.

Be In Nature

Spending time in nature reduces anger, fear, and stress while boosting your mood. If indoor plants can improve concentration and reduce stress levels, then big trees, bushes, and flowers outside will so far more. Being out in nature also provides fresh air, and that is also important.

If you live in a city and nature seems too far away, find a park or garden. Look up at the sky and breathe.

Be Thankful

We are bombarded regularly with messages that make us want what we don’t have. But appreciation of what we already have brings more positivity, which leads to happiness.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that regularly recording gratitude in a journal greatly increased happiness scores. Likewise, expressing gratitude to someone for a kindness in the past will boost your mood, and theirs.

Celebrate Victories

Do you recognize and celebrate your victories, or simply check them off the list and move on? I’m guilty here. Are you waiting for a major accomplishment to celebrate? I suggest that you celebrate the little steps that help you reach that or any accomplishment.

Acknowledge that you chose a cup of herbal tea instead of a sugar-laden beverage. Or that you took a walk twice this week. Celebrate that you turned off the TV and went to bed earlier.

Want a bigger effect? Share the win with people you love, or hit reply and share it with me.

You can choose to be happy by choosing activities that physiologically support happiness. It is a sweetness in life that we all desire.