7 Things you can do NOW to achieve a happier life

There are many things you can do today to start living a happier life.

1. Exercise
Working out is something we often dread. However, ironically, we feel much better after doing so. One 30-minute workout session can boost your mood and help tackle depression. When you exercise, your body releases excess amounts of serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine to the brain that help keep you happy. Exercise also releases growth hormones and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, stimulating the release of powerful mood-enhancing endorphins. So, not only will you get fit and fabulous with regular exercise, but you will get a psychological and emotional lift as well. So, try to get 30 minutes of strenuous exercise each day. If you can fit it in in the morning, you will benefit from your good mood throughout the day!

2. Be grateful
Get into a daily habit of listing the positive things in your life that you are thankful for. A gratitude journal is a great way to do this. By counting your blessings and focusing on the positives in your life, you shift the focus on negativity and recognize the abundance that is already present in your life. Being thankful relieves stress, strengthens relationships and increases happiness. Even when we are faced with very difficult situations, we can still find things for which we can be grateful. Being grateful on a daily basis can change your life for the better.

3. Think positive
Optimistic thinking helps us to see the “bright” side of each situation. By thinking positively we are able to focus on the good in the world. And there is a lot of good to be found when we purposefully look for it. Thinking good thoughts and shunning negativity will elevate your mood, help you come up with better solutions to your problems, and it will also inspire those around you. Most successful people are extremely positive and always see the glass as overflowing, instead of half-empty. When you consciously think in positive ways, obstacles become detours. You are able to come up with creative solutions to your problems, and you are much happier on a daily basis.

4. Recognize your strengths
You have so much to offer. Discovering your strengths will help you to excel in life. When you focus on what you are really good at, you can create a life that is truly happy and satisfying. The happiest, most successful people really enjoy what they do for a living. Focus on your strong points to build a career that you really enjoy. After all, you spend a good amount of your life working, so you might as well enjoy what you do. Whether you are in the corporate world or are the CEO of Mom Inc., draw on your strengths to create your best life possible.

5. Practice mindfulness
Live in the moment! Wherever you are, be there. Whatever you are doing, be in that moment. Be fully present in each situation. Being fully engaged in your current activity frees you from worrying about all of life’s ups and downs for that current time. Focusing on the moment will allow for more enjoyment of your current activity. Whatever you are doing, you should be there now!

6. Practice random acts of kindness
Doing good works for others can actually make you happier. Acting with generosity and compassion can have a positive and uplifting effect on your health and well-being. When we focus on the needs of others, we shift our thinking towards positivity. Depression, anxiety, and stress focuses on the self. By focusing on making others happy, we feel good knowing that we have created a positive situation for someone else. It makes us happier.

7. Get enough sleep
Getting eight or more hours of sleep each night will improve concentration and memory. Sleep also strengthens your immune system. This is probably the most important thing you can do for your health and happiness. In fact, not getting enough sleep can actually be harmful to your health. Sleep deprivation can result in cognitive and physiological deficits, including memory impairments, a reduced ability to make decisions, and dramatic lapses in attention. So, get at least eight hours each night and you will feel more rested, have more energy, and be in a better mood at the start of your day.