Are you feeling stressed and unhappy? Try the scientifically proven strategies below to enjoy a happier life.

The pursuit of happiness has perhaps been an age-old problem of man. We read the reviews – rated the happiest places on earth, and wondered: “What is their secret?”

Scientists have been working to identify and measure happiness for many years. They did research and found a lot of things that affect an individual’s happiness – it’s not necessarily wealth.

One large study that assessed the mental happiness of more than 450,000 people found that their happiness increased with their annual income, but only until they hit $75,000. Once their basic needs are met, higher income does not mean happier.

So how do you increase your happiness? Research has shown that the following four practices can help you feel happier and more fulfilled in your daily life.

Researchers call this “practice kindness.” What it boils down to is being kind to the people you come into contact with in your daily life. Be it, help someone with a heavy chore or do an errand for your ailing neighbor or encourage co-workers with compliments.

When you show genuine kindness to others, it activates a part of your brain that makes you feel good. Research also shows that your generous spirit can even be contagious, so you can spread happiness to others too.

Loving-kindness meditation encourages you to sit quietly while thinking about warm and loving things. People who meditate for an hour a week report feeling more fulfilled and happier.

Likewise, mindfulness meditation – which helps you increase your present moment awareness and more self-acceptance – is scientifically proven to help expand the part of the brain that regulates emotions. It can also help you maintain emotional well-being even when facing life’s inevitable obstacles.

We all know that exercise contributes to overall health, but researchers have found that it can also help you feel happier. In one study, it was reported that older adults who started exercising regularly, after 8 weeks, felt significantly happier.

Another study found that, when sedentary people became more physically active, their happiness also improved. While more research is needed to determine what types of exercise are most effective, you can start with walking, running, swimming, or whatever improves your mood.

When researchers worked with highly stressed healthcare workers to improve outlook, they found that after 12 weeks, workers reported being happier and more satisfied. with his life.

Part of the intervention includes spending time practicing gratitude and forgiveness. For example, you could keep a gratitude journal, specifically recording the things you’re grateful for. Instead of rushing to hurt or get angry when someone misbehaves with you, choose to forgive. As you practice these ways, you may find your happiness level gradually increases as well.

Ready to focus on improving your happiness? There may be a bigger reward for you. Research has shown that when people focus more on kindness and other good deeds, they not only feel happier but also develop stronger disease resistance. And that means double benefits.

Link to original post: https://www.mayoclinic.org/4-proven-ways-you-can-feel-happier/art-20390079

References

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Translator: Tran Phuong

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