5 Simple Ways to Let Happiness In

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With a lot of responsibilities and tasks demanding our attention every day, it can be hard to get a break. As a result, many people feel stressed out, overworked, and decidedly unhappy. Some may think that happiness is something you're either born with, or without.

Positive psychologists say otherwise – that happiness is a series of habits that you can practice and cultivate until it becomes part of you. Short of signing up for a stress management program, which would no doubt work, what can you do every day, to bring in a bit more happiness.

1. Do something fun. Having something to look forward to that you're sure to enjoy can give you a glimmer of hope even through a bad day at work. Whether you schedule a movie out with friends, or a trip to your favourite beach over the weekend, mark it on your calendar.

Even if the event isn't for a few months, preparing for it will still give you the happy boost you need from time to time.

2. Be grateful. At the end of the day, sit down and list 3 to 7 things you're grateful for, no matter how big or small, important or mundane. Counting your blessings is a great way for you to be more mindful of the little things that happen every day.

Had just enough change to buy a treat from a vending machine? Write it down. Didn't get into a car crash on your commute home? That's definitely going on the list. 

3. Munch a healthy snack. Crackers with peanut butter, an apple with cheddar cheese, or greek yoghurt with your choice of fruit. These are all snacks that balance carbs, fat, and protein, which can help improve your mood. A square of dark chocolate is a good idea, too.

4. Pick a 'flow' activity. Have you ever gotten into an activity where you lost all track of time, perhaps even place? That's 'flow', and it can happen with anything you tend to get really involved in. So whether it's drawing, dancing, cooking, or even knitting, don't be afraid to indulge.

5. Take a walk. Walking down a forest path or in a park is commonly recommended in stress relief programs, and it works as a mood booster, too. It combines light exercise with peaceful surroundings – two things that work to help you feel better.

5-Minute Stress Relief Programs that Work

                 

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Life can keep you busy – so busy that you can often feel like you don't have enough time to breathe. With so many things clamouring for your attention, from spilled coffee to a lunch meeting, to grocery shopping and dinner prep, it's no wonder you feel more and more stressed.


Thankfully, there are things you can do to feel less pressured, and to move further from being on the brink of a breakdown. These things are like mini stress relief programs, which you can do in as little as 5 minutes. Here's a small sampling.

• Munch something. Studies have shown that stressed adults crave salty and crunchy snacks, so crunch away on some pretzel sticks, some celery, or a handful of trail mix. You can also bite into a square of dark chocolate. Just a little over an ounce of it can help regulate cortisol levels.

• Pour the tea. Not only is it good for digestion, but it has L-Theanine, a chemical that helps keep anger in check. It won't take long for the water to boil and the leaves to brew, so pour yourself a cup and take a sip. 

• Head for nature. Get out of the house or the office if it's a sunny day. People who suffer from depression had a bit more pep when exposed to bright light, like that from the sun. So there's no reason it won't also give you a much-needed lift.

Can't leave your desk? Just stare out the window at trees, shrubs, or a lawn – anything green.

• Put on some tunes. Put together a list of your favourite songs, and listen to them when you're feeling the pressure. Hearing melodies and lyrics that you love can help you feel better and bring you out of a bad mood. Dancing to your favourite beats can have the same effect. 

• Meditate. Try the Vipariti Kirani pose from yoga – with legs almost vertically against the wall and your torso on the floor. This gives you a good stretch, and your deep breathing is a form of meditation. 

Or sign up for a mindfulness based stress reduction program so you have a better idea how to perform mindful breathing. This kind of breathing means you're paying attention to something else rather than what's stressing you out.

Simple Stress Relief Tips for Everyday Relaxation

Wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, go to work. Come home at night, sleep. The cycle repeats. Not only is this kind of life repetitive and colorless, it can become stressful very quickly. The good news is, you don't need to do a lot, or spend much, in order to change your routine and relieve stress.

Short of looking for stress relief programs, here are several extremely simple ways to unwind and relax after work – and no, you don't need to pack your bags for a weekend getaway.

1. Go unplugged. You've just spent 8 hours or more in an air conditioned room, surrounded by technology. Once you get home, turn off your mobile phone and tablet – even the music player. That way, you're not thinking of text messages you need to send, calls you may need to make, and so on.

2. Breathe. Sit in a quiet room and focus on your breathing. Even just 5 minutes will work wonders.

3. Play a game. If you don't think going unplugged for a night is for you, use technology to help you unwind – but don't check your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media accounts. Instead, take, say, an hour to play your video game of choice. Just make sure you're sitting up properly, not slouched in the chair.

4. Take a bath. Draw yourself a bath, and add a few drops of aromatic oils, like lavender, to the bath water. Take the time to clean yourself thoroughly, and then soak in the tub for a while. Don't rush 'me' time, although you may want to get out before you get prune-y.

5. Prepare a meal. You could improvise or experiment in the kitchen, or follow a tried-and-tested recipe. Eating something light and healthy can help bring your body's chemicals back into balance and boost your mood, so you feel less stressed.

6. Indulge in a hobby. This is among the quickest fixes for a terrible day you could ever try. Doing something you love takes your mind off stressful matters and helps you relax without you having to look for a stress management program. Read a book, draw or doodle – whatever your hobby is, it's a great way to unwind.