Thursday, January 9

How To: Be Happy (even in winter)

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It's pretty easy to let the winter blues get you down. You're too cold, there's no sun, you're stuck inside and have run out of things to do. It happens to all of us at one point or another. Since we are all starting off another new year admist the winter doldrums, I thought I'd share some scientifically backed ways to stay happier.


Science shows that being grateful can increase happiness and life satisfaction while decreasing depression.You can practice being grateful in any number of simple ways: keep a journal of all the things in life that you are grateful for (including the little things like your favorite breakfast cereal), going out of your way to thank people for helping you, writing thank you letters, telling your friend/partner/spouse three things that you are grateful for every day.


Whether you actually take that dream vacation or plan it for a future date when you can afford it, science shows that you are actually the happiest when planning your vacation. Anticipating a vacation can make you happy for 8 weeks leading up to it. Be warned though, once the vacation is over you generally drop back to how happy you were pre-vacation planning. Although, I wouldn't argue with constant vacation planning. One every 8 weeks? Sounds good to me.


Going outside and spending time in nature environments (much more so than urban ones) is a great way to boost your happiness. You don't have to go on a long hike, all it takes is 20 minutes a day. If you really want to maximize those happiness levels, studies have shown that 57 degrees Fahrenheit (or 13.9 degrees Celsius) is the optimal temperature to improve your mood.


While it makes sense to save up your money for larger goals (and I definitely advocate living within your means), be sure to treat yourself to little things more regularly. A small treat once a week is better for your happiness than a really big one a few times a year. Buy yourself a favorite coffee on a week day, pick up a new book on a Saturday morning, go on a date night with your significant other or best friend. Whatever it is, find something small that won't break the bank.


Taking time out of your week to help others is one of the surest methods of making yourself happy. Just two hours a week is considered the optimal number, that is barely over 1% of your time each week. This is really all about sharing kindness with other people. Whether you are helping a friend move, baking cookies for your neighbors, or working at a soup kitchen, doing something for the benefit of someone else will make you feel better.

There are even more ways to improve your mood at my sources: Buffer, Huffington Post, Business Insider, WebMD

8 comments:

  1. Great tips! I'm definitely ready for warmer weather (spring, please come soon), but these tips and tricks can help pass the time + perk me up!

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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    1. I'm ready for warm weather too! I'd be happy with 70s and sunny for a while. I'm glad you like them and I hope they help!

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  2. These are so great! Volunteering is definitely one way to improve your mood and make you feel grateful!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

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    1. I know! It's something that I want to do more of in the new year.

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  3. Love this post, I think more people should go by this! I still walk and run outside in the winter and it feels great to get fresh air and exercise at the same time.

    xx

    Kelly

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    1. I agree, I have a hard time getting myself outside initially, but once I'm there I almost always enjoy it. I have a dog and I motivate myself to go outside because he needs a walk.

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  4. You are awesome! Such a cute and motivational post! I tend to hibernate during winter and then I get crazy cabin fever! I will make an effort to do these more!
    Kat | www.poshbykat.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I tend to do that too, so I am making an intentional effort not to do that this year.

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