We can all do with a boost to our happiness tank once in a while.  Here are 3 ways you can boost yours today:

Booster 1: Open the door and step outside

This time of year is wonderful for opening windows and doors and letting fresh air into our homes.  The air smells so fresh and watching a blowing curtain can actually be soothing to the soul.

Getting out into the air is like airing out our homes.  With low light levels in winter our vitamin D reserves are quickly depleted and research shows there is a link between low vitamin D levels and depression (though as of yet researchers are not sure whether low levels of vitamin D causes depression or depression causes low levels of vitamin D).

Sunlight gives a free source of vitamin D which, among other uses, when absorbed through the skin helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous.  So soaking up a little sunlight all year round is good for us.  Just remember to watch the time and sun in the summer to avoid getting sunburn.

Booster 2: Move, Move, Move

Exercise is good for you.  Has anyone missed this message?  I know you’re tired of hearing it and you hate exercise, but exercise helps stave off depression, it can also help sufferers treat their depression http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression.

You don’t need to become an Olympic athlete or a body builder, just walk the dog, or take a regular stroll round the block, walk  or bike to the corner store.  Whatever grabs your interest give it a go, if you don’t like it try something else, keep trying until you find something that you really enjoy and if you can find a friend to do it with all the better.  You can keep each other going.

Booster 3: Practice Gratitude

“Count your blessings”, is what my mother used to say when I whined about a bad day or experience and (I can’t believe I’m saying this), she was right.  Mothers are always right! It just takes a lifetime to realise so.  Gratitude has the power to transform the way we see our lives.  Look back at the last 24 hours and look for events that you were grateful for, focus on the positives and experience your change in how you feel about that day giving you a more optimistic outlook.

Trying this once a week, or when you feel down can help lift your spirits and bring a little more happiness into your life.

If you are interested in more information on this or keeping a journal, see my recent blog entry.

Three simple happiness boosters to try.  What can you lose? But what more can you gain?  Your level of happiness doesn’t always depend on how much money you earn or how many things you own, sometimes it is about what is inside.

TTFN

Amanda