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How to be happy 6!
Over the last month I have been speaking to various friends and associates about our subject of happiness, and here are some simple suggestions which we all know about but perhaps don’t relate directly to happiness.
1. Diet! Yes, that again! If we eat a poor diet and don’t drink enough water, then we expect our body to suffer, probably from weight gain and sluggish functioning of the organs. But our brains need nourishment too and if they are not getting the right food they are more likely to produce negative moods and behaviour.
2. Exercise – sorry! Not only does regular exercise get things moving physically but it takes you away from the office or from thinking about your problems and concentrates the mind on what is happening right now. After exercise problems seem to gain a sense of proportion.
3. Do you like to keep up with the news in the paper or on TV? Have you ever considered how much all that bad news might be depressing you and been tempted to give it a break? And what kind of films do you tend to watch for relaxation? Try some comedies or ‘lighter’ subjects for a lighter mood.
4. Music can be a great mood-enhancer if you choose well. Popular music may not be having as positive an effect as you might think – as I realised a while ago when I found myself constantly singing ‘Why does it always rain on me?’! It has been scientifically proved that the music of Mozart, for example, has all kinds of therapeutic effects on the brain, from helping you to absorb information to making you feel more lively.
5. Stop trying to be happy! It may undermine everything we’ve said over the last 6 months, but we’ll give the last word to American author Edith Wharton – ‘If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.’ Have a great time till next month! |
