Boost your Happiness

By Esther Cohen

I am in love with Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology emphasize our character strengths, positive emotions, and learned optimism.  

Finding a safe space to work through challenges and persistent difficult emotions is essential for our mental health and well-being. It is just as important to remain mindful of our strengths, the meaning we create, our sense of purpose, and celebrate the progress we’ve made.

 The Happiness Studies Academy shared 6 daily practices that can boost your happiness.

1.     Gratitude: Start your day with a focus on the positive. What are 3 things you are grateful for? Think about them. Jot them down.

2.     Movement: Make sure you create opportunities to release endorphins by taking a few minutes to get some exercise. I have been known to actively go up and down the stairs or dance in my office when no one is looking. Try setting up a 15-minute stretch workout with your colleagues during the workday!

3.     Get fresh air: Go for a walk during your lunch break or simply stand outside and take some invigorating deep breaths

4.     Mindfulness: Take 5 minutes to be in the moment. Look around you, hear the sounds and listen to your breathing. Ground yourself by pressing your feet onto the floor and feel how it supports you.

5.     Connect: Meaningfully connect with someone you care about. Message them, but even better phone them or visit them.

6.     Celebrate your wins: Finish your day by celebrating one or two things you achieved today, no matter how small they may be. During tougher days my list might include eating lunch at a normal time, being kind to myself or getting through a work task.

Have a go! Choose a couple of things from the list above to start with and begin to create new habits that will boost your ‘Joie de Vivre’ – your Joy of Life!!