I have taken the liberty of putting together a quick list of five ways to be healthier and happier because life is a little crazy right now and we could all use a few of these. As per usual, take as many or as few as you like.
Smile
Just try – I know they say smiling gives you wrinkles and to that I say stay hydrated. Both of which are my advice to y’all on ways to be happier and healthier. They also say to never tell a lady to smile more but look I said it and the science backs me up, Psychologists find smiling really can make people happier. A team of psychologists combined data from 138 studies testing more than 11,000 participants and found that facial expressions have a small impact on our feelings. And even if it’s just a small impact, something is better than nothing, but I’ll get to that.
Hydrate
This is either VERY HARD or VERY EASY depending on who you are. I do not believe there is any middle ground on the eight glass a day quota. I will however advocate that it is important, especially if you’re going to smile so much more since I’ve recommended it. Hydration improves your mood which will in turn have you feeling healthier and happier. Whenever you’re feeling a little slump reach for that water bottle. Dehydration is known to cause stress, fatigue and lower your cognition, don’t let it happen. Remember, your brain is mostly water, stay hydrated girl.
Help someone
People are natural caregivers and want to feel relied on and needed. Don’t take my word for it, just ask your dog, your child, your houseplant or dare I say it … your sourdough starter. Spend a few hours helping a cause you care about, a friend in need or maybe give your dog some extra love and a really long walk – any of this will do. Check in on loved ones, ask them how they are doing and see if there is any way you could make their lives a little easier. Not only is whatever they need your help with going to serve them, it’s also going to serve you.
Let go of perfection
I say this to myself every single day … “done is better than perfect.” If you need to hear it – let me say this to you, done is better than perfect! Don’t get hung up on the small stuff. There are literally entire books telling people not to sweat the small stuff. I am of the mindset of my girl Alex, something is better than nothing. This can be applied to anything from how many glasses of water you drank today to how many kilometers you clocked this week. If you’re doing something, you’re doing something right. Letting go of perfection will make you feel healthier and happier.
Practice gratitude
For Christmas Kate gave me a gratitude journal and I’ve been filling it in every few days since then. As per the journal template, I have to write three things I appreciate in my life. Once you start doing this regularly it gets quite easy to think quickly of things to be thankful for. I highly recommend practicing gratitude. I keep the journal on my nightstand and I fill it in either right in the morning or right before bed. It’s both a great way to start or finish the day. If you’re looking for a similar journal to mine it’s linked here – it’s called the “Start Today” journal by Rachel Hollis.
Rachel Hollis isn’t the only one who has me swearing by practicing gratitude. My favourite behavioural psychologist Angela Duckworth also has a great podcast on the topic – linked here. Check out her podcast “No Stupid Questions” thank me later. You’ve also probably seen me rave about her book Grit in my previous post on books to help you boost your performance. So look it seems easy and it is AND it works. Think of a few things everyday that you’re grateful for and you’ll be happier and healthier.
Also, if you’re interested in getting into journaling our very own Casey has written the blog for you linked here.
That’s all from me! Let me know how you make out if you try any of these. If you’re looking for any other ways to destress or maybe plan a summer staycation I’ve got you covered.
