"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."
– Dalai Lama
Did you ever notice that the little, everyday rituals you have make your life easier and more free of stress? If not, notice what happens when one of them has to change suddenly. From brushing your teeth and walking the dog to updating your Facebook status, everyone has certain rituals that are a part of their daily lives. Some of these rituals are mundane, but others can have a positive impact on your life, creating stronger feelings of happiness while warding off depression and anxiety.
Be Grateful
According to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) researcher Alex Korb, focusing on the things in your life for which you are grateful can lead to greater happiness. Gratitude triggers the same neurotransmitters as antidepressants Wullbutrin and Prozac, creating the feeling of intense happiness while promoting more social interaction.
“The benefits of gratitude start with the dopamine system, because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine,” explained Korb.
Cut Back on the TV
How many hours do you spent watching television in a typical day? An article published by NYDailyNews found that adults between the ages of 35-49 watch a staggering five hours of programming every day. There's nothing wrong with catching up on your favorite show, but you TV shouldn't consume the majority of your leisure time. Instead, try going for a walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air and sunshine. Aside from the physical benefits that it offers, spending time outdoors will have a positive impact on your emotional well being.
Meditate
Meditation is another ritual that can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. It's estimated that roughly 20 million Americans practice some form of meditation. In addition to reducing stress, meditating has been shown to improve happiness. A study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed the brain activity of 16 participants before and after they meditated over the course of eight weeks. Researchers from this study concluded that areas within the brain associated with self-awareness and compassion grew larger after meditating, whereas areas of the brain associated with stress and anxiety shrank.
Keep a Journal
Tim Ferris, entrepreneur, investor, and author of "The 4-Hour Workweek," says that keeping a journal is one of the simplest ways to improve your well-being and happiness. A journal offers the perfect outlet for your thoughts. Instead of allowing your concerns and worries to cloud your mind, you can release them in the form of a journal entry. Just place a journal by your bed, and get into the habit of making at least one new entry per day. You can write a single sentence about what you are feeling, or you can express your thoughts in longer entries consisting of multiple pages; whatever works best for you.
Get the support you need to make important life changes. If you would like to complement your therapy with an alternative treatment option (or need a place to start), you might consider trying hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help you sort out your feelings and give you the courage and strength you need to move on with your life, set new goals, and rebuild an always damaged self-esteem.
Call for your FREE consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Let me help you understand what this might mean for you. Hypnosis and Life Coaching have helped many. Let it help you.
