How can I be a happier person?

Happiness is what we all strive for in life – but how do we reach this goal? Take a look at our top 5 steps to help you become a happier person.

Increase your exercise levels

One great way to improve your happiness levels is to engage in some exercise. Many studies have shown a link between exercise in happiness, as exercise can release positive endorphins and serotonin in the body that can positively affect your mood. Exercise has also been found to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. This does not mean running a marathon but instead engaging in activities that increase your heart rate.

Get Outside

Getting outside and basking in the sun can have a huge impact on your mood. The World Health Organisation found that a lack of Vitamin D, found in sunlight can lead to mental health conditions such as depression, and physical problems such as heart disease. Furthermore, studies from Edinburgh University found that being outside in the sun can also lead to an increase in nitric oxide in the body which can tackle issues such as high blood pressure. So get outside, get in touch with nature and reduce your stress.

Smile More

Smiling more, even when the smile is fake has been found to improve your mood. This is because when you smile you are using facial muscles that feedback to your brain. Your brain recognises that you are smiling, and links this with happiness. This will help you forget about negative emotions and focus on the positive aspects of your life. You know what they say, fake it ‘til you make it.

Unplug

Being constantly connected to the world through a variety of devices does have its benefits, however, it can also lead to higher stress levels and issues with sleeping. People can develop an unhealthy attachment to their devices. When you take a break away from your devices and social media, it can not only improve your sleep but also increase your productivity and self-esteem. This will also help you properly engage with your loved ones around you, further increasing your happiness.

Be Aware of your Strengths

Confidence is one of the key things that will help increase your happiness. To become more confident in yourself, it is important to identify your own strengths. If you are looking for an easy way how you identify some of our strengths and talents, we recommend you to try Growmon – our app that will give you valuable insights about your personality, strengths, interests and areas where you can focus your development.

Invest in your Personal Development

What Is Your Biggest Goal In Life? One final step in becoming a happier person is to set yourself goals in life and work on their fulfillment. The main key to happiness is positivity, and you will feel these positive emotions if you can develop both professionally and personally. In order to do this, engage in some Personal Development Planning – learn more in this article we prepared for you. This is where you identify your strengths and your goals. The Benefits of Personal Development include feeling a sense of achievement and accomplishment. Research suggests that setting short term goals and reaching them can lead to feelings of joy.