You Can’t Buy Happiness – But It’s Free Anyway
Category: Health, Lifestyle
In these tough economic times we read about people jumping out of windows or worse. But the news is not all bad – research shows that happiness is not based upon what you own or your lifestyle. Leaf Van Boven, associate professor of psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder says, “Rather, any effortless pleasure or thing that strengthens social bonds or gives you a positive sense of control has measurable mental benefits.”
Here are some ideas derived from various mental health professionals:
Pets
Nothing beats a puppy or a kitten to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. Petting an animal and watching its antics bring great joy, and as the animal gets older the bond formed with your pet brings love with it too.
Just Say No
Having power over your time makes you happier, says David G. Myers, author of The Pursuit of Happiness. Say “Sorry, I’m already booked” when imopportune or onerous lunches, showers, and meetings crop up.
Plants
HortScience has published a study that people with plants in their offices feel happier about their jobs.
Deviate From Your Routine
Normally we take comfort in our routines, we relax and unwind, not having to think as much. Ironically, though, changing our routines get us out of emotional ruts and creates positive emotions. Try dropping by a park on the way home sometime, or swing by a lake to watch the birds.
Set Some Easy Goals to Accomplish
“accomplishments, no matter how insignificant, strengthen your sense of control over your life, and happiness is a by-product of feeling in control,” says psychologist John Reich, PhD.
So set a few easy goals each day – “take out the trash”, or “clean my bathroom sink” – and get some accomplishments to balance out what bad happened that day.
Eat Right
No, this is not about vegetables. It is about how to eat so that you get the most pleasure.
1. Choose a white plate. This brings out the colors and contrasts in your foods, shown to make you feel better during meals.
2. A rainbow of colors makes you happy, so add more colors like yellow corn and green beans, red bell pepper…
3. Order first at a restaurant. After the first person goes, others tend to choose differently and wind up less satisfied with their pick, says Dan Ariely, PhD, author of Predictably Irrational.
Light scented candles
The flickering lights and nice fragrance from scented candles are shown to improve mood markedly.
Be in the Moment
Instead of focusing on laundy or scrubbing the toilet, go for a walk in nature or read a great book once in a while. “Most of us are wired to do things to make ourselves happy, but just being in the moment creates joy,” says Kessel.
Change your color scheme
Psychologist Nancy J. Stone, PhD, who studies the impact of color, says that repainting a wall at home can have a mood-boosting effect. Blue is calming (ideal for bedrooms) and green creates a relaxed feeling (good for living rooms). Yellow is said to be cheery — a great kitchen hue.
Exercise Outdoors
When you exercise you improve your mood tremendously – first there is the sense of accomplishment, then the endorphin “high”, and then the weight loss and drop in blood pressure, as well as lowering your cholesterol level will all boost your esteem. As your fitness improves, you will find a completely new lifestyle and even new friends!
Send Love Notes
Brent Kessel, author of It’s Not About the Money, says writing notes to your mate or even a great friend can bring you a feeling of contentment by maintaining romance in your life.
1. Know your subject. Write about what your partner likes most – a certain food, color, quote, activity, animal, or even sex play. Be specific.
2. Avoid the words heart, soul, rose, forever, and die. All are grossly overused and make you seem unoriginal.
3. Don’t rhyme. Ever.
4. Illustrations are always cool.
5. Make it funny. Laughter is the best aphrodisiac.
Tags: Happiness, Paris Hilton
