5 ways you can be happier

Doing what makes you feel happy and defining happiness will differ from person to person. Natural skincare, to me, is the perfect way to look after myself and feel happy within each day. But alas - I have to admit that for everybody else, the world doesn’t always start and end with skincare!

Here are five other ways for you to feel happier as of TODAY:

Making time for yourself out of life’s busy schedule can sometimes seem near impossible. However, this is exactly where personal happiness begins! It’s so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life that we sometimes forget what’s most important to us. So, I ask you; what are some personal activities that bring you happiness and peace? For me, it's simple pleasures like reading, going for a walk, sipping on a comforting hot chocolate or cuddling my puppy. Please do take some time out of each day, even if it's just for a few minutes, to spend time doing something that brings you joy.

If you need to, keep reminders in your calendar (or post-it notes on your fridge) to alert you to spend time doing something for YOU, each day!

Moving your body each day has proven to release stress and anxiety and improve overall health. Ever wondered why mood and energy levels are instantly boosted after some physical activity? When exercising, your body releases endorphins – also known as your happy hormones. Nothing sparks happiness more than a 10-minute workout (I'm not going to lie, it's the end of the workout that I am at my happiest, but it lasts all day!), or a light walk/jog around the block or pumping up the tunes and dancing around the house (take your pick!). 

So here is your calling to get up off the couch, stop scrolling on social media, and get outside for some much-needed fresh air!

Consuming a highly processed diet each day can affect mood levels and also increase your risk of depression. We all know that eating healthier makes us feel good both in and out - we just need to DO it. Eat the rainbow and keep meals exciting. A colourful mix of fresh veggies & fruits, whole grains, nuts, protein and healthy fats and oils can all contribute to one’s happiness. I personally know I feel my best when I’m organised with a stocked cupboard of nutritious food, stopping me from opting for unhealthy foods.

Tip: Make healthy eating fun, not boring! Create a plan each week with exciting new nutritious recipes that spark your interest. When I feel healthier, I feel happier, the two absolutely go hand in hand :-)

Anxiety, stress, and depression can immensely affect the way you think and feel, creating extra tension in your life. Nowadays, it’s becoming more and more common for anxiety to creep up on us and deter us from truly achieving our goals. Especially as more of us are working from home, there are less boundaries between work and home and we are working longer hours. Try to set some boundaries and prevent burn out.

Even on your deepest darkest days, stop and look for silver linings. Whether it be that you're grateful to have clothes on your back, or a roof over your head, or a best friend at the other end of the line. Those silver linings are there, just waiting to be found.

Reaching out and asking for help when you most need it is really important. Whether it be professional help, or a close family or friend, do whatever you need/feel most comfortable with. It is so important that you take good care of yourself, and your mental health. 

I am going to refer you back to my 'time-out' blog as this is a really great way to settle your anxiety and not feel overwhelmed in the process. 

If you feel like you need that little bit of extra support, my good friend, the The Modern Counsellor is here to help.

Bear with me, this is not a typo where I put the wrong point into the wrong blog. YES... keeping hydrated WILL help your overall happiness. Never underestimate the power of water! Did you know that even mild dehydration can affect mood levels, making you feel sad, grumpy, or foggy? Water absolutely helps by stimulating the flow of nutrients through your body, all your cells and importantly, have a positive effect on your hormones to release those feel-good endorphins – setting you on the right track for a perfect day. As they say ‘the healthier you are, the happier you’ll feel.’

Start your day off on the right foot with two glasses of water and bonus points for a slice of lemon (trust me, this works wonders!).

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So, I leave you with this quote ‘Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.’ Dalai Lama

Over to you! What is something you can do right now?

Seven Islands Skincare