Most days, do you get out of bed feeling heavy-limbed and slow? As though your body hasn’t quite caught up with the morning.
You need tea, coffee, or an energy drink to power you up?
If that sounds like your story, it may be the time moment to look other ways to put boost your day.
The simplest solution is to wake up happy or start the day happy.
According to the American Heart Association staying cheerful can support a longer, stronger life by reducing the chances of heart-related trouble and overall mortality.
A few science-backed tips on how to build happiness...
1. Start With Gratitude
When you open your eyes each morning, pause for a moment and acknowledge the gift of a new day, advises Healthline.
Appreciate the chance to breathe, to begin again.
This quiet act of thankfulness can lift your spirits almost instantly and set the tone for the hours ahead. And noticing the tiny victories -- the little things that go right -- can bring an easy smile too, says Healthline.
2. Healthy Plate, Happy You
Fuel your body with meals that truly support you.
Enjoy colourful, varied ingredients like broccoli, carrot, sweet potatoes, legumes, fish from different categories so your system gets the strength and steady vitality it needs to carry you through the day, suggests Mayo Clinic.
3. Build Your Peace Zone
Craft a corner of calm that feels truly yours.
It might be something straightforward, like tidying up your desk or clearing out things that weigh you down, whether at home or at your job, offers American Heart Association.
Building this personal comfort zone can make everyday life feel lighter and far more joyful.
4. Energy Through Exercise
Moving your body is the quickest route to waking up every happy hormone inside you.
You can do that wherever you are, whenever you have a little time.
And if you’re craving a real lift, step outdoors and walk for 30- minutes or workout with a mate.
The mix of fresh air, movement and good company can work wonders, says Cleveland Clinic.
5. List What Makes You Smile
Healthline has another useful nuggets: Jot down a tiny note of moments that warm your heart or little treats you’re excited about, either on your mobile or a scrap of paper.
This pocket-sized reminder can instantly lift your spirits whenever the day feels a bit heavy, suggests Healthline.
6. Lead With Kindness
Find and maintain a softer attitude towards people if you want to protect your emotional balance.
A helpful habit is what is called gentle awareness. For instance, look at someone you don’t know, give a light smile and quietly hope good things for them, helps you to feel more happy, states Mayo Clinic.
7. Cook Together, Feel Better
Sharing the process of cooking, ideally breakfast with someone close -- chopping, stirring, tasting and finally enjoying the dish together -- naturally sparks those uplifting “feel-good” chemicals that brighten your mood and strengthen your bond, according to Cleveland Clinic.
8. Choose Your News Carefully
Keeping up with current events helps you feel linked to the wider world. It can teach you new things, offer a bit of fun and even lift your spirits now and then.
But avoid sad, unneccessary news to be happy, warns Cleveland Clinic.
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