How to be happier today: Add these 5 healthy habits into your routine

Happiness is a state of mind. Specifically, it is a state of “well-being and contentment.” But

how many of us are clear about what actually makes us happy? Our minds often tell us

that once we’ve achieved a promotion, or met the perfect partner, or completed a house

renovation, then we’ll be happy. But what many of us don’t realise is that being happy is

something which can be intentionally practiced.

The secret is to find ways to build habits into our day to day lives which increase our sense of happiness and wellbeing. And rather than being focussed on big external markers of success, it’s about noticing the moments of joy and contentment we find along the way.

Here are five habits we can adopt which have been proven to boost our mood, health and

happiness.

1. Eat for your mind

The impact of eating healthily on our physical health is well recognised, but did you know

that what you eat impacts your state of mind, too? It turns out there is a direct link between

what you eat and how you feel. People with depression, for instance, often make food

choices that can actually contribute to low mood. Luckily, there are also foods which can

help make you feel happier. These foods infuse your body with nutrients, allowing the brain

to produce neurotransmitters that give you a natural high. That is why you can actually

support depression with nutrition.

Avoiding processed starchy carbohydrates such as white pasta, bread and cereal is a

great place to start. They cause blood sugar to spike and then crash, which can lead to

you feeling tired, irritable, anxious or moody. Complex carbohydrates such as wholegrains,

beans and vegetables provide a slower release of energy and in most people, prevent low

blood sugar induced symptoms.

2. Take time to reflect

Many of us do not take time for ourselves to reflect and actually think about how we’re

feeling. Imagine you are having a catch up with a friend. Ask yourself a few questions, with

genuine curiosity and give yourself permission to be honest.

• What have you been up to lately?

• How are you?

• How are you feeling about work/life/relationships?

• Are you happy?

When answered honestly but not too harshly, these questions will help you tune in to how

you’re really feeling, and identify where you might want to make some changes.

3. Detach yourself from your phone

Are you addicted to your mobile phone? Many studies have shown that mobile phone

addiction has physical and psychological effects at the same time. Sleep deficit, anxiety,

stress, and depression, have been related to mobile phone usage (Shoukat, 2019) and are

certainly not going to contribute to overall happiness.

Get into the habit of setting your phone on do not disturb mode after 8pm, or better still

turning it off. Involve people who live with you and designate a mobile phone station where

you put your phones to bed at the same time! If the thought is making you feel anxious,

then build up slowly. Try one night per week to begin with and then increase from there.

What will you do with that extra time? Perhaps you could rekindle a hobby such as

reading, writing, or dusting off the board games and having some family time.

4. See friends and family more regularly and connect

Human beings are social creatures and several lockdowns showed even the most

unsociable of people how important human connection is. Whilst some of us might prefer

to hibernate during the winter, it is important to schedule time with people you love.

Making new friends is not just for children either. As we get older it can seem less

important or harder to make new friends, but widening your circle of friends can open up

different opportunities, connections and experiences.

Prefer the fury type?

That’s fine. Animals can show us lots of affection and make us very happy. If you cannot

have a pet for some reason, but love animals, why not take a trip to an animal shelter or

petting zoo.

5. Get into nature

In a 2019 review (Bratman et al. 2019) researchers concluded that contact with nature is

associated with an increase in happiness, subjective well-being, positive social interactions

and a sense of meaning and purpose in life - as well as a decrease in mental distress.

Another study suggested spending 30 minutes or more a week in green spaces can help

lower blood pressure and the chances of developing depression (Shanahan et al. 2016).

Your green space can be a local park or any area with some trees and nature. Most urban

places have green spaces to visit. Or plan some trips to more open space in nature on

your days off if you can.