Who doesn't want to be happy or happier? It seems to be a universal quest, this quest to be happy, to raise happy children. For me happiness comes and goes. Life presents me with many things to be happy about, I focus on them and my happiness multiplies. Then things get messy, I trip over obstacles thrown my way, without noticing I somehow start focusing on all the nasty little annoyances that are conspiring to make me miserable and I want to smack anyone who tells me to look on the bright side and be grateful for all that I have because things could be so much worse. I mean I know they are right, but SHUT UP!
And then a ray of sunshine finds its way into the darkness of my mood and I remember that oh yeah, there is a bright side. Time to focus on the things that make me happy because happiness begets more happiness. Happiness is a muscle, it needs to be exercised or it will atrophy.
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Here are five simple things you can do every day that will make you happier.
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Hug more
Hugs make you happier. A Pennsylvania State University study found that people who hugged a minimum of five times a day and aimed to hug as many people as possible were happier after the completion of the study. All that hugging made them happier.
Be grateful
Keep a gratitude journal and every night before bed write down three things that happened during the day that you are grateful for. They don't have to be huge things. Gratitude leads to happiness.
Exercise
Any way you look at it, exercise is good for you. It's good for your physical health as well as your mental health. Some say that even 7 minutes of exercise is enough to boost your mood. Seriously, just do it.
Socialize
Spend time with friends and family. People with strong support networks are happier. Of course they are because they feel connected and cared about, I'm sure.
Sleep more
Did you know that if you are sleep deprived it makes it harder for you to recall pleasant memories, but you'll have no problem recalling the negative ones. Huh! I know there are only so many hours in the day, but really do yourself a favor and get as much sleep as you can, it will help you be happier.
