Ask Dr Justin: How to find happiness in your life

BEING happy elevates our wellbeing, increases our life satisfaction and gives us better health and longevity. Here are a few simple ways to finding happiness, writes Dr Justin Coulson.

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BEHAVIOURAL scientists have spent a lot of time studying happiness. They’ve discovered that being happy elevates our wellbeing, increases our life satisfaction and gives us better health and longevity.

But while happiness does just happen, each of us has the power to make choices that can bring us more (or less) happiness.

Here are some things you can do to be happier. Some can be done right now. Others will need to be planned. But all are shown scientifically to affect on our happiness for the better.

1. TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media use has a negative effect on our happiness. While real-world social networks are great for our overall wellbeing, using social media platforms, such as Facebook, reduces physical health, mental health and life satisfaction.

Taking a break from social media can lead to happiness. Picture: Supplied

2. SPEND TIME ON YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

There may be no discovery more powerful than this — other people matter for our happiness. Spend time with someone you love today.

3. SMILE

Charles Darwin was the first to pose the idea that the act of smiling intensifies our feelings of happiness. It really is that simple. Our emotions are reinforced by our facial expressions.

Smiling is a great way to exude happiness.

4. HELP SOMEONE

When we help people, we feel better about life, and about ourselves. The data shows the more we ‘do good’, the more we ‘feel good’.

5. LOOK FOR WAYS TO FEEL GRATITUDE

Studies show that gratitude may be one of the best wellbeing boosters. For two weeks, jot down three good things that happen each day.

6. SAVOUR YOUR MEMORIES

Nostalgia makes us feel happier and closer to the people around us. Take a few minutes every day and savour your memories, whether it’s a hug with a loved one, your first kiss or an amazing holiday.

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7. BE MINDFUL

Becoming more mindful helps — you make positive memories. Tell yourself: ‘This is a moment worth remembering.’ Focusing on the here and now keeps you present in happy moments. Put your camera away — we forget what we photograph but remember what we remain present for.

8. SET GOALS

Goal setting is essential to happiness. Dopamine (the feel-good chemical) release relies on goal setting and achievement. Having goals elevates our optimism because we anticipate good things.

Playing with your children helps you forget about the stress in your life.

9. PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS

When you play with your children, oxytocin (often called the ‘love hormone’) is released in your brain. It’s one of the fastest ways to forget your worries and to be carefree and to laugh.

10. EXERCISE

Exercise boosts wellbeing. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start small and slow, but make it a habit. Studies show people who engage in even a small amount of exercise have better mental health.

11. SLEEP

Regular sleep schedules contribute to happiness, healthiness and calmness. Yet, we continually tire ourselves out. Go to bed early. Rise early. Get enough sleep.

12. LIVE YOUR VALUES

If you’re out of alignment you can’t be happy. Work out what you feel is right and live your life consistently with those values.

Being smart with your money and budgeting is a good way to find happiness.

13. MAKE A BUDGET

Budgeting boosts happiness. It helps you focus your spending on things that improve your quality of life. You may choose to spend less on a car or clothes (which bring a small amount of happiness), but more on holidays and hobbies (which bring a lifetime of happy memories).

14. BREATHE

Deep breaths slow us down, strengthen our body and stabilise our minds.

15. KISS

If you have a partner, kiss each other more and longer. Studies show kissing lowers stress, and raises relationship satisfaction.

16. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

People who are curious tend to be happier than people who are not. Learning something new can trigger our creativity.

17. BE POSITIVE

You remember the saying, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything’? Well, there’s truth to it. Catch those negative thoughts and words and switch them to positives. This increases the serotonin in your brain, which creates a sense of wellbeing.

18. FORGIVE

Hanging on to past hurts is like drinking poison. Letting go brings peace, reduces stress, strengthens relationships and makes us happier.