Tag Archives: happy

What’s the key to happiness?

28 Monday Oct 2019

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Lower your expectations. That’s according to neuroscientist, Dr. Robb Rutledge. In experiments, he found that our happiness doesn’t depend on how well things are going – just that they are going better than expected. So if you expect a meal to be the greatest thing you’ve ever tasted, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you don’t have any expectations, you’ll be delighted by how delicious it is. And that goes for just about everything. So like the old saying goes, “Expect nothing and you won’t be disappointed.” Instead, you’ll be pleasantly surprised – and happier.

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How to live a long and happy life.

24 Thursday Oct 2019

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You know having close friends is one of the keys to longevity and wellbeing. But even being on good terms with your neighbors has benefits. Research from Rutgers University found that having regular, positive contact with neighbors was linked to a greater sense of personal growth, self-worth, and purpose. And all you have to do to get the benefits is wave hello – or let your neighbor borrow your hedge clippers. It’s all down to the fact that our daily lives can be enriched by seemingly minor encounters, which make us feel like we’re part of a community, and that we add value to a larger social network.

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Want to have an awesome day, where everything seems to go right?

22 Tuesday Oct 2019

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Take a brisk morning walk! Researchers at George Mason University say exercise releases feel-good hormones, triggering a mood boost that can last up to 48 hours. Plus, starting the day on a high note creates a so-called “cascade of positivity” – where one good thing leads to another. It increases the likelihood you’ll get more done, have positive interactions with others, and have less impact from negative events. And the longer you work out, and the more social you make it – like walking with a friend – the happier you’ll feel.

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Want a mood boost?

23 Monday Sep 2019

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Plant some cinnamon or chocolate-scented geraniums! They bloom like crazy in the fall and winter, and just pinching a leaf releases the powerful feel-good aroma of cinnamon or chocolate. Research at Wheeling Jesuit University found the scent of cinnamon instantly boosts alertness. And other research shows the smell of chocolate stimulates the happiness center of our brain.

Geraniums grow the best on a super-sunny windowsill. But they’ll do just fine if you shine a desk lamp with a fluorescent bulb on them for at least 4 hours a day.

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Don’t worry about getting old.

11 Wednesday Sep 2019

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You’ll be happier! That’s from a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry of over 15-hundred people, ages 12 to 99. It found the older the person, the happier they were. And that’s despite having more aches, pains, and illness. Meanwhile, 20 and 30-year-olds had the highest levels of anxiety and stress, and the lowest levels of happiness and wellbeing. So forget about stereotypical “grumpy old men” and women. This study found that happiness peaks in old age. The reason? Because the older you get, the more you know you can handle whatever life throws your way.

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Do you begin the day with a smile?

27 Tuesday Aug 2019

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People who are cheerful and bubbly from the moment they roll out of bed every morning AREN’T faking it. Research at the University of Toronto found that early birds are actually happier than night owls. Interestingly enough, people over age 40 are much more likely to be morning people than teens or twentysomethings. This may be why older people tend to feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. It could boil down to “social jet lag”. That’s when you stay up late to socialize, then have trouble waking up early – and staying in sync with the typical 9‑to‑5 cycle of work and school.

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Boost your happiness!

09 Friday Aug 2019

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Join a group – or join several! Because with every social group you sign up for, your happiness increases by 9%. That’s according to the Journal Of Happiness Studies. Researchers tracked nearly 4,000 people… and those who joined groups that were centered around their beliefs or favorite activities felt more deeply connected to others – had a more profound sense of purpose – and were less likely to suffer from depression. That’s because feeling connected and purposeful are proven ways to increase life satisfaction and wellbeing. So whether it’s a scrapbooking group, book club, Bible study, bowling league or walking group – just by joining, you’ll increase your happiness.

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Eat blueberries every day to be happy!

15 Wednesday May 2019

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If you’re looking for a happiness boost: Eat blueberries. According to the journal Pharmacological Research, eating a half-cup of blueberries every day could raise your serotonin levels by 20%. Serotonin is a brain chemical linked to a better mood. It also helps keep your brain cells and arteries running smoothly – decreasing the risk of stroke, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. And we get the serotonin boost from the anthocyanin in blueberries; the antioxidant that gives them their deep color.

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Want to be happier and healthier?

17 Wednesday Apr 2019

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Get out in the world and TALK to people! Researchers at the University of Arizona found the happiest people spent 25% less time alone, and a whopping 70% more time engaged in face-to-face conversations. That’s because heartfelt conversations help us connect with our emotions, which creates closer bonds with others and triggers a boost in our health and happiness.

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Get healthier, higher self-esteem and be happy!

22 Tuesday Jan 2019

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So you want to lose weight, drink less, exercise more, and de-clutter your house. What should you tackle first? ALL of it! That’s according to a study at UC Santa Barbara.

When researchers had study participants commit to eating better, exercising more, cutting back on alcohol, getting more sleep, and practicing mindfulness all simultaneously – it worked! After 6 weeks, the study subjects showed improvement on all fronts. They were stronger, healthier, had higher self-esteem and were happier.

Brain science professor Michael Mrazek led the research and he says each lifestyle change supported the others. Exercising makes it easier to sleep… sleeping well makes it easier to eat well… and being mindful makes it easier to make good choices. So, if you have a lot of changes you’d like to make, go for it! Do them all at once.

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