Let?s be honest: We all know (and envy) at least one happy-go-lucky woman whose eyes always appear bright, body fit and mood unfailingly optimistic. You?ve wondered (sometimes aloud) what her secret is. Is it luck? Good genes? A special diet? Maybe she just has Healthy habits. Studies show that some of the simplest lifestyle choices can vastly improve both your physical and mental well-being. From socializing with friends to trying new exercises, we?ve gathered 10 easy ways to help you achieve a happier, healthier you?starting today!
Invest in yourself
Let?s be honest: We all know (and envy) at least one happy-go-lucky woman whose eyes always appear bright, body fit and mood unfailingly optimistic. You?ve wondered (sometimes aloud) what her secret is. Is it luck? Good genes? A special diet? Maybe she just has Healthy habits. Studies show that some of the simplest lifestyle choices can vastly improve both your physical and mental well-being. From socializing with friends to trying new exercises, we?ve gathered 10 easy ways to help you achieve a happier, healthier you?starting today!
Flex your brain muscles
Neurobiologist Lawrence Katz of Duke University reports that cognitive exercises called ?neurobics? can activate new brain connections and fight the mental effects of aging. Neurobics uses your five senses in unexpected ways, which strengthens nerve connections and helps cell receivers stay younger and stronger. Make it a habit to get dressed or shower in the dark, switch what you wear on one side of your body to the other (e.g., put your watch on your opposite wrist), smell different scents every morning, or cook unfamiliar foods, such as sushi.
Practice random acts of courage
In her book Women & Money, Suze Orman writes: ?Fear is usually what stands between us and our courage. We?re afraid to rock the boat. We?re afraid of confrontation. We?re afraid to upset someone. We?re afraid we?ll lose our job. We?re afraid he?ll divorce us. We?re afraid our kids won?t love us. We?re afraid of what others may think of us.? Taking small risks, such as speaking up at work or going to a movie alone, can lead to more courageous acts, such as asking for a raise or traveling solo. Practicing random acts of courage can reduce fear, enhance self-esteem and increase happiness.
Practice random acts of courage
Many women feel guilty for being stay-at-home moms, for being working womens, for saying ?no,? for saying ?yes??the list goes on. If you can?t give guilt the heave-ho, life coach Susan Wilson suggests a gentler path. ?There may be some value in letting the guilt ?rest? and then asking it, ?Why are you here? How can I be helpful to you? You can stay for (x amount of time), but then it’s time for you to go,?? she says. ?Give yourself space to feel both your negative and positive emotions.? Observing your feelings?instead of reacting to them?helps you slow down and stay centered.
Find your exercise personality
?The stress of engaging in exercise that is not of our choosing can outweigh its health benefits,? writes Pierce Howard, PhD, in The Owner?s Manual for the Brain. If you force yourself to jog, cycle or swim because your partner is a triathlete, you could be doing your body more harm than good. Finding your exercise personality is the key to staying fit?and not being one of the 60 percent of people who quit exercise programs within six months. Make it a habit to try different sports with an open mind. Brush away your preconceived notions (?I?m not good enough to play on a softball team?). Instead, focus on fun and fitness.
Stop and smell the lemons
Catching a whiff of citrus directly affects a variety of neurotransmitters in your brain, which can improve your mood and strengthen your immune system. Researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Ohio State University found that lemon oil in particular reliably enhances positive feelings by changing the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain. Easy ways to incorporate lemons or your favorite citrus scent into your daily routine include aromatherapy diffusers, potpourri, candles, bath oils or tossing a washcloth dabbed with essential oil in the clothes dryer with each load.
Take laughter seriously
The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar,? says psychologist and laugh therapist Steve Wilson. ?Adding laughter to familiar movements, such as waving your arms, activates just about every human physiologic system, similar to traditional exercise.? Laughter burns calories, increases positive endorphins (natural painkillers), reduces stress and strengthens your immune system. A good belly laugh can also improve job satisfaction and feelings of self-worth, and help you overcome obstacles. Make it a habit to laugh every couple of hours; it could be as healthy as eating an apple a day.
Learn to love your work
According to Career Builder.com, 84 percent of Americans are unhappy at work. If that?s you, psychotherapist Beth Mares suggests figuring out exactly why you?re dissatisfied. Do you feel underpaid, underutilized, unappreciated or overworked? ?Besides looking for new work, you could learn to say no, refuse to take things personally, or acquire new job skills,? says Mares. ?Another option is to focus on the reasons you?re there.? To stay happy at work, remind yourself of the benefits and your long-term goals. Career expert Marcus Buckingham also recommends applying your strengths and managing your weaknesses. Focusing on what you do well is a healthy professional?and personal?habit.
Socialize for your mental health
?In our study, socializing was just as effective as more traditional kinds of mental exercise in boosting memory and intellectual performance,? says Oscar Ybarra, a psychologist at the Institute for Social Research. Just 10 minutes of social interaction improves intellectual performance as much as solving crossword puzzles or doing other ?intellectual? activities. Nicholas Epley, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, adds a different perspective: ?Loneliness is actually a greater risk for morbidity or mortality than cigarette smoking.? Socializing reduces loneliness and isolation?factors that can accelerate aging, increase blood pressure and create anxiety.
Take your financial temperature regularly
?We have to develop a healthy, honest relationship with our money,? writes Orman in Women & Money. ?And we have to see this relationship as a reflection of our relationship with ourselves.? Orman believes that how we handle our finances reflects how we perceive and value who we are. To develop a healthy relationship with money, learn the ins and outs of your checking accounts, retirement funds, credit card score, home insurance, life insurance and family budget. To increase feelings of control and power, make it a habit to investigate one new aspect of your spending or earning habits every month.
