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.

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.

5 Everyday Anger Management Tips

Different people have different personalities, so no one would react exactly the same way when placed in similar, common situations. Some may react indifferently to, say, being cut off on the road, others will swear vehemently. A third group may let it go, but will stew about it for a few kilometres – or cut the driver off at the next opportunity.

In a world where possibly stress-inducing situations are just around the corner, though, anger management Philippines is important to avoid being more stressed than you already are. So, how do you keep your temper in check and stay in control?

1. Breathe. Deep breathing can help calm your nerves even in a situation where you're likely to blow your top. After a minute or so, you should be calm enough to talk without raising your voice. You'll also be able to think more clearly, and will thus be able to express yourself assertively, without sounding confrontational.

2. Call a time-out. Nope, it isn't just for kids. If you know there are certain times of day that can become stressful or irritating for you, give yourself a few minutes before facing them. The same goes for times you feel you're about to get into a shouting match with someone. Take a step back or go into a quiet room and gather your thoughts.

3. Seek solutions. Dwelling on what made you angry won't do a thing to calm you down; instead, you'll get more steamed up. Avoid this by finding ways to solve the problem, like closing the door to your kid's room if the mess makes you fume.

4. Break a sweat. Physical exertion will help you burn off some of that stress, so you're less likely to become angry. It's also a good way to let off the steam without biting someone's head off.

5. Let it go. Not the song that played incessantly for several months after Disney's “Frozen” came out. Holding a grudge is like dwelling on the problem – it's bad for you. Once you say you forgive someone for slighting you, mean it. Don't bring it up again. Don't think about it now and then, either.

These are the little things you can do to manage your temper – and your stress – without having to enroll in a stress management program, unless you want to learn more tips, besides these ones.