Tips to Improve Health by Increasing Happiness

Reviewed by Kristen E. Holm, PhD, MPH

Smile Therapy

The mind is powerful and can influence your health in good and bad ways. Negative feelings and stress can suppress the immune system, while smiling and thinking positive can improve your health. Here is a list of different things you can do to increase positive thoughts and happiness.

 

14 Ways to Increase Happiness

  • Sleep

    Sleep

    Make sleep your #1 priority and you will perform better and be less sensitive to negativity.

  • Meditate

    Meditate

    Focus on breathing, sounds, music, an object or activity to rewire your brain for happiness.
     

  • Journal

    Journal

    Write good memories for positive reinforcement and negative events to reduce their impact.

  • Shower

    Shower

    Take a warm shower before bedtime to relax your mind and body.

  • Vent

    Vent

    Voice concerns to improve mental health.

  • Relax

    Relax

    Eat dark chocolate, chew gum and exercise to manage stress hormones and metabolism.

  • Observe

    Observe

    View pictures of nature or get 15 minutes of sunshine a day to boost, mood and memory.

  • Concentrate

    Concentrate

    Do crossword or Sudoku puzzles, or other games help relieve stress and improve focus.

  • Smell

    Smell

    Stop and smell the roses, coffee, baking bread or whatever brings a smile to your face.

  • Drink

    Drink

    Drink more water, less alcohol and no caffeine after 2 p.m. to sleep better and be healthier.

  • Laugh

    Laugh

    Make time to laugh with others, while watching or listening to a funny show.

  • Smile

    Smile

    Smiling, even during a hard time, can reduce pain, and improve mood and thinking.

  • Move

    Move

    Exercise is a dependable mood booster; take a 10-minute walk to reduce stress.

  • Help

    Help

    Helping others produces the single most reliable momentary increase in happiness.

 

 

This information has been approved by Kristen Holm, PhD, August 2016.