We sometimes think that well-being is a million dollars or a new position with a good salary. When this happens, then a happy life begins. In fact, happiness is a way of life, a set of habits that anyone can develop. There are many scientific studies devoted to the psychology of inner well-being. Experts most often identify 12 factors that affect the feeling of satisfaction from their life.
Wellbeing and a smile
How often do you smile? Only when is there a reason? This is not enough! The more often you do this, the happier you feel, even if the smile is tight. There is a physiological explanation for this: our facial expressions intensify the emotions we express. That is, literally, the facial muscles involved in smiling send signals to the brain that stimulate the production of endorphins - hormones of happiness. Therefore, give your smile to everyone you meet, be it a cashier in a supermarket or a janitor at the checkpoint. When choosing a movie or book, pick something that makes you laugh. This habit will change your life for the better.
Good sleep affects well-being
Healthy sleep is the key to good physical and psychological well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation is a sure road to depression. A global study of 10,000 respondents found that people who slept less than 5-6 hours a day were five times more likely to suffer from clinical depression. If you manage to sleep 7-8 hours, then your mood improves, it is easier for you to cope with everyday stress and establish contact with the outside world.
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Movement is the elixir of happiness
If there is a magical elixir of happiness, it is physical activity. In response to moderate exercise, our body begins to produce endorphins. That is why some people literally get hooked on sports. A morning run or an evening walk is a surefire way to feel happy. But it is important to tune in correctly: if you go to the gym through “I don’t want”, because you want to lose weight by the New Year, then there will be little happiness from such activity. It is necessary to do not for the sake of the result, but for the sake of pleasure, therefore it is so important to choose the type of physical activity that will be a joy.
Thanks
The human brain is designed in such a way that we tend to focus attention on negative events. If on the same day you received a promotion at work and your bag was stolen, then eight out of ten people will think about the bag, and the promotion will fade into the background.
Instead, try to focus more on the things for which you are grateful to the universe. Every night before going to bed, mentally make a list of the pleasant experiences of the past day. Gratitude is an overwhelmingly positive emotion, so don't be shy and thank those around you as often as possible for their help and support.
Little pleasures
The most unhappy people are those who forever live in memories of the past or dream of the future. Learn to enjoy simple sensations and banal events: a beautiful sunset, the taste of coffee, a good song on the radio, a conversation with a friend or a friend, a chef's praise. Try to stretch this moment: stop and admire the setting sun, slowly savor your first morning cup of coffee, dance when you hear your favorite melody, and tell everyone about the chef's compliments, let them rejoice with you.
Free time
The modern woman often has the feeling that she does not belong to herself. Husband, children, bosses, relatives - it is they who manage her life, and there is no time or energy left for themselves. Therefore, it is so important to allocate at least half an hour for yourself every day. Let it be the time that you spend exclusively on your own pleasures: a bath with fragrant foam, a walk in the park, an interesting book before bed, or your favorite TV series.
Hunger for knowledge
Research shows that our satisfaction with life increases whenever we successfully learn something new. This increases our self-confidence and sense of self-worth. It is not necessary to immediately aim at big projects, even small achievements can be a source of happiness. It's time to remember what you always wanted to learn, but did not have enough time. Start small: take vocal lessons or master a new electronic gadget.
Close people
Psychologists unite in chorus that the best investment we can make in life is with family and friends. The invested emotions and time are returned with solid dividends. A person is a social being, it is important for him to feel part of a group, it is important to build close relationships with others. The big question is, could Robinson Crusoe not go crazy on a desert island if he had not met the faithful Friday. Therefore, on weekends, instead of lying on the couch, meet with friends and get positive.
Positive is the path to well-being
It is important to see pleasant moments even in negative events. Recent research suggests that we are genetically programmed to be pessimistic or optimistic. At this point, someone is as lucky. And yet you can correct this program if you consciously cultivate a positive outlook on things. Try to look for the good in everything that surrounds you. Suppose your boss is an unpleasant type who almost immediately starts yelling. But he covers subordinates in front of the higher authorities, and you can easily go to his office if you have any question.
Healthy indifference
We often worry about events that we cannot influence. And that makes us unhappy. Remember the famous aphorism: “Lord, give me peace of mind to accept what I cannot change. Give me the courage to change what I can change. And give me wisdom to distinguish one from the other"
It makes no sense to be tormented by rising prices or the first wrinkles on the face - you need to take it for granted and adapt to the changed realities.
Strengths
Swimming against the current is a surefire way to choke and drown. We forget about this when we try to do something for which we have no inclination.
For example, if you do not like to communicate with people, you are unlikely to be happy working as a salesman or educator.
It may be too late for you to change your job profile, but you can find yourself a hobby in which you can fully demonstrate your strengths.
For example, at the insistence of your parents, you went to study to be an accountant, although in reality you dreamed of being a cook in a restaurant. Why not start a homemade cake baking business and get paid for doing what you love?
Kindness
We underestimate how much joy unselfish helping others can bring. By doing good deeds, we grow in our own eyes, we feel ourselves to be good, kind, highly moral people. This affects our self-esteem. Take a dog for overexposure, go to get medicine for a sick friend or friend, take part in a clean-up or collecting things for old people from a nursing home. The main thing is to do this not for the sake of gratitude or reciprocal service, but for your own pleasure.
Interesting facts about happiness
- Happiness can be influenced by diet. For example, foods like nuts, milk and chicken are high in the amino acid tryptophan, which stimulates the production of serotanin, which is responsible for our good mood.
- According to a study by English psychologists, two simple actions can affect the level of happiness in a married couple: regularly say compliments to each other, do not forget about the banal thanks - and you will be happy.
- An easy way to feel better is to pet your cat or dog. In response to this stimulus, our brains start producing oxytocin, an attachment hormone that instantly makes us a little happier.
Source: magazine Daria №19