FROM THE GP’S SURGERY
WE ALL strive for happiness but it can be hard to find. Magazines, adverts, social media, friends, family – all have different ideas about how to achieve this goal.
Feeling happy is important for both your mental and physical health. Here are my top 10 tips on how to make yourself happier:
1. BE ACTIVE – Evidence shows that being physically active is good for our mental wellbeing. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. 2. EAT AND DRINK WELL – Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Poor or restricted diets are often lacking in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which have both been shown to have a big effect on our mood. Too much sugar and not enough fibre will also make us feel sluggish. Alcohol is a depressant, so cutting down how much you drink will make you feel better.
3. BE SOCIAL – Connecting physically (not online!) with other people is important for our wellbeing. Strong relationships help us feel more supported, secure and give us a sense of purpose.
4. GIVE – Doing things for others has a big effect on our happiness. Try giving five minutes a day to help someone, give away the things you don’t use anymore, or volunteer in your community. 5. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF – Whether it’s reading on your commute into work, a 10-minute walk in the park at lunchtime, or half an hour in the bath, take time to destress from the busy world. 6. HAVE A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX – THERE are countless studies that correlate social media with anxiety, depression, isolation and sleeplessness. Have screenfree evenings or days and try to spend time connecting face-to-face with your friends and family.
7. KEEP LEARNING – Evidence shows learning boosts our self-esteem and self-confidence, while giving us a sense of satisfaction and optimism.
8. SET GOALS – Setting goals or targets, however small, and working towards them, can help create feelings of positive achievement. Goals help to give us focus and feel in control over our own lives.
9. PLAY – Take time out to play. Idle play changes our daily routine, lifts negativity and can make you more creative. Play keeps us healthier in old age and helps us find the answers to problems.
10. SMILE – Research has shown that smiling helps us, and those around us, feel happier. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, try one on and see if it helps you feel more positive.