Take a second and think back to when you were just a kid. Life was so easy, you were innocent and there were so many things to be happy and laugh about. My 2 year old, Max is overcome by joy from the littlest things. Like his daddy’s mean air guitar skills, making the dog bark until mama goes crazy or simply blowing bubbles.
I challenge you to let loose a little and try to take a childlike approach to life. Because being happy doesn’t just make you and others feel good, it actually has a positive influence on your health.
Dale Anderson, M.D. says in his Essay: Acting Happy,
Happiness is an infectious state that can definitely have an impact on your health. That’s because your brain comes equipped with an inner pharmacy that can help you be joyful and embrace life, lending a hand to make you feel years younger. They also benefit from neuropeptides like endorphins and other chemicals that bolster the immune system and promote well being.
We all feel unhappy, stressed out and frustrated at times, but guess what!? We have the power to change and be happy simply by acting happy even when we’re not. Professor of Psychology, David G. Meyers says,
Act happy. We can sometimes act ourselves into a happier frame of mind. Manipulated into a smiling expression, people feel better; when they scowl, the whole world seems to scowl back. So put on a happy face. Talk as if you feel positive self-esteem, are optimistic, and are outgoing. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.
Three Ways to Be Happy!
Smile and Laugh Often
Even when you don’t feel like it, put a smile on your face and notice the lighter difference in your mood and energy. Then next time you get up from your desk for a bathroom break, look at yourself in the mirror and laugh! What’s so funny? You are! Just suck it up and try it. Start training yourself to be happy. If you continue on this path, you will notice a positive difference.
As an article on inspirational-short-stories.com called Laughter-is-the-best-medicine-facts explains,
When you experience humor frequently, chances are your negative feelings such as depression, hatred, guilt, and anxiety will be replaced with positive ones. Laughing more often can definitely make you feel good, thus helping you develop a positive outlook in life.
Therefore, smile and laugh often! It’s good for you and everyone around you too.
Good Sleep & Exercise
If you don’t give your body the sleep it needs it just might result in a sour mood. Try reading a book before bed, take a warm bath or do some stretches. If that doesn’t help you get to sleep at a decent hour of the night, try taking natural sleep aids to help you get a healthy nights sleep. Exercise is also key for being happy. A good long workout will release natural morphine-like compounds into our bodies called endorphins. Serotonin and dopamine are other compounds that are released by exercise that help us from being depressed and keep us feeling motivated. And just imagine the physical benefits you’ll gain from all that exercise!
Nurture Your Spiritual Self
Faith provides a sense of purpose and hope. It gives people something to believe in. For many people, getting connected spiritually helps them feel supported and often leads to helping others. And we all know doing good things for others makes us feel good too. Doctor Meyers points out,
Study after study finds that actively religious people are happier and that they cope better with crises.
Give some of these simple happy tricks a try this week and see if you notice a difference for yourself. If you’re sick of always having a negative attitude, a sour mood, anger, stress, anxiety, road rage, guilt, depression, frustration and the list goes on… then do something about it! Even if it’s smiling at someone when you walk by or taking a walk with a friend. You do have the ability to be happy simply by acting as if . . . . you are happy. In Doctors Meyers’ article, The Secrets of Happiness he writes,
 We are as likely to act ourselves into a new way of thinking as to think ourselves into a new way of acting.
Now ponder that for a minute…
After you give these a whirl, here are also some natural mood boosters you may find will give you that little serotonin boost!
Life is too short to be grumpy! Live a life full of health and happiness! It looks better on you.
Great article Ash! Good reminders and of course LOVE that video at the end.
Thanks Lindsay! I appreciate you taking time to read my posts!