Unexpected Ways to Improve Happiness

What if you could feel happier just by doing an activity? Many people look for ways they can increase their happiness in life, but sometimes this can feel like a challenge. Finding happiness can come from unexpected places and activities; it’s just a matter of knowing what’s right for you.

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Many people find themselves questioning how they can improve their happiness in life. From the way we spend our money to the foods we eat, everything we do on a day-to-day basis can have an impact on how happy we are. Take a look at these unexpected ways to improve happiness if you’re in need of a mood boost.

Learn Some Surprising Ways You Can Improve Your Happiness. 

Money Actually Can Buy Happiness

They say money can’t buy happiness, but that’s not entirely true. It all depends on what you spend your money on. Buying material goods can lead to buyer’s remorse and feelings of unhappiness. But there’s one thing you can spend your money on that will have the reverse effect: life experiences.

A study shows that individuals who spend money on life experiences often report more happiness than those who buy items. These experiences could be anything from a weekend getaway or a cruise to a hot air balloon trip or a day at an amusement park. If you’re looking for a way to improve your happiness, consider doing something, either by yourself or with others, that can help you build happy memories for years to come.

Eat Your Way to Happiness

We know fruits and vegetables are healthy for our physical well-being, but did you know they can improve your happiness levels, too? A study found that consuming more fruits and vegetables was linked with higher levels of happiness, increased life satisfaction and improved well-being.

It’s not entirely known why eating more fruits and veggies makes you happier. However, it might have to do with the vitamins and nutrients found in produce. Carotenoids, found in carrots and other produce, have been linked to increased levels of optimism, and the B12 found in some fruits and vegetables has been linked to the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin. Regardless of the cause, adding more produce to your diet can help increase your happiness.

Small Talk Can Improve Your Day

Conversation, even if it is brief and with someone we do not know, can change our day for the better. This was evidenced in a study where individuals who purchased coffee and had a positive reaction with the barista were happier than those who did not. Small talk was found to increase feelings of belonging.

Wondering how to include more small talk in your day? The study found that small talk can be with anyone; the topic and the person didn’t necessarily matter. Breaking out of your comfort zone and talking to people you come across throughout the day can make you happier.

Keep a Journal for a Happier You

Journals are more than just a writing outlet for young people. Try keeping a gratitude journal. Write about the things you are thankful for, and learn to turn the negatives in your life into positives. Consider what you have gained thanks to your losses. Record the good and bad, along with special occasions and ordinary days. Writing regularly about the things you’re grateful for can help you have more appreciation for the little things in life and may, ultimately, make you happier.

When seeking to improve happiness, it’s important to remember that the little things are what counts. Making conscious choices to improve your physical, mental and emotional health can make a difference in your overall happiness and enjoyment of life. While these are not typical “roads to happiness”, such as winning the lottery or taking a fancy trip, they can make your life just as meaningful.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!

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