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- Start complimenting yourself
Complimenting yourself or receiving compliments from other people is a quick and easy way to get yourself on the path to happiness. Ask for positive feedback or compliment others more frequently to make them feel more comfortable and somehow inclined to compliment you as well. However, if this isn’t possible in your situation, always compliment yourself instead of blaming yourself anytime things don’t go your way,. According to a research study conducted by the National Institute for Physiological Science in Japan, receiving a compliment is as much a social reward as being rewarded money. The study also found that receiving a compliment can help boost one’s performance at work. Even more surprising, compliments can help improve your memory and learning ability. Don’t you already feel happier knowing that?
- Compare yourself to who you were yesterday
A study conducted at the University of California found that receiving positive feedback can help grow confidence among unhappy people. However, this effect quickly dissipates when their peers get better feedback. Comparing ourselves to others is the fast track to unhappiness. Rather than painfully comparing ourselves to others, focus on comparing yourself to yourself. Are you in a much better position than you were last year? Have you improved yourself? Have you achieved any milestones this year? Are you closer to achieving your goals? When you compare yourself with yourself, you will be able to save yourself the unhappiness caused by comparing yourself to others and diminishing yourself.
- Cultivate a reading habit
A study involving 4,164 adult participants at the University of Liverpool found that those who read on a regular basis had a reduced chance of suffering from stress and depression. In addition, they showed more confidence and the ability to proactively solve problems with ease. Habitual readers also have a stronger sense of community and love to spend more time with friends. So, instead of slumping on the sofa bingeing on the Netflix, consider reading some meditation books. Your mind and body will thank you. This is a good place to start when figuring out how to be happy.
- Spend time with friends
Humans are social beings. Social interaction is critical for our mental and physical health. Remember, prison systems around the world use isolation as a form of punishment. With that being said, what better way to benefit from this interaction than hanging out with friends. A study by Havard Medical School suggests that same as some diseases, happiness is contagious. When someone in your group of friends is happy, you are likely to feel happier too. The study found that this effect can last for as long as a whole year. What’s more, this effect can make you feel about 15% happier.
- Consider hydrotherapy
As you may or may not know, Romans were required to visit the bathhouses each week. Even the slaves weren’t left out in the spa treatments. The Romans firmly believed that water could cure many illnesses. It is no wonder that we tend to feel better after taking a bath or shower. In fact, taking a long, hot shower can help reduce stress and anxiety. The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health suggests that swimmers experience an improved sense of wellbeing when they swim in winter. As you can see, being in and around water can help you feel better.
- Adopt a pet
Having a pet around can make you happier.
In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, pet owners have better physical and mental health than non-pet owners. It is also found that people who suffer from heart attacks have better chances of survival if they have a pet around. In other words, besides improving your quality of life, a pet can also save your life. Also, the American Psychological Association found that pet owners have higher self-esteem This is attributed to the fact that pets can offer the same level of support as a family member. This is why many pet owners consider their cats or dogs as part of their family. All of these factors combined – improved quality of health, increased self esteem, and a high level of support – play a significant role in making you feel happier.
