Prescription for a Happier Life

Let’s face it, life can be a challenge at the best of times. Financial struggles, relationship problems, work issues – the list goes on. I’m sure you can relate. Life is not (often) a bed of roses and can lead to a great deal of unhappiness.

So, what can we do to alleviate these challenges and feel happier?

Here are 3 things I’ve found which really help.

Music

Music can change your mood. I can almost always find a song that matches my mood and whilst it matches it somehow improves.

There are songs that remind you of pleasurable times. Songs which get you into action. Songs with a beat you like that you can’t help but tap your feet too!

But as a warning – don’t listen to songs that make you sad! You know the songs that you played during a relationship breakup? They’ll just remind you of the sad time so don’t go there!

Listen to songs you like and find uplifting.

Sunshine

There is a physiological and psychological benefit to getting out and getting some sun.

The physical side of it – our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight direct on our skin when outdoors. Vitamin D is needed in order to absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet.

Unfortunately for those of us living in the UK the winter sun doesn’t provide enough UV rays to produce vitamin D. So between October and March it’s a good idea to take extra Vitamin D.

However, if there are sunny days in the winter time it’s still good to go out as there’s nothing like a blue sky and sun on your skin (even if it’s not that warm) to lift your mood! That’s the psychological benefit.

How often have you looked out the window, seen a clear blue sky and thought “what a beautiful day!”?

So, don’t just look out of the window – go out and get some fresh air and sunshine on your skin!

You could combine 1 & 2 here with the song Mr Blue Sky by ELO!

Laughter

It’s very easy in the drudgery of life not to have many laughs but laughing is a good thing!

There are physical and psychological benefits to laughing.

A good hearty laugh causes contraction and relaxation of muscles in the face, chest and stomach as well as the skeletal muscles. This can ease muscle tension, increase heart rate and pulse and more ventilation occurs (more oxygen). All of which are good!

Laughing makes you feel good. It raises your mood and having raised your mood it makes life that more bearable and even happier.

So, have a laugh with a friend, watch some comedy on TV and laugh out loud, watch some silly video on YouTube or Facebook (always makes me laugh!). There’s nothing more contagious than a child who can’t stop laughing – join in!