Some people are naturally happy. You probably know one, or maybe
you are one. These people are quick to smile
or offer the “bright side” when encountered with a friend who needs a boost.
Minor setbacks are seen by this crew as just that—minor, rather than the
serious life-changers that otherwise unhappy people experience. And while there
is no true scientific formula for achieving happiness, there are indeed ways to
be more happy more often, according to science.
Unfortunately, it seems that an astronomical number of Americans
are lacking feelings of bliss and enjoyment. Instead, 21 million
people (an
underestimated figure, no doubt) suffer from depression, which is caused by
everything from financial issues to a lack of love. And many individuals
suffering from depression or sadness are on prescription drugs which are most
often accompanied by more side-effects than benefits. While it’s
hard to convince someone on depression medication that they may be able to
reverse their situation completely naturally, it is possible.
5 Scientifically-Supported Ways to Boost Happiness
Here are a few research-backed strategies for increasing happiness
in your own life:
·
1. Stop Eating Processed Foods and Fast
Food- A study published in Public
Health Nutrition found
that those who consume fast food are 51% more likely to be
depressed than those
who abstain from unhealthy and processed foods. It was also found that the same
held true for those eating baked goods and junk food. The abstract concludes
with: “Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption may
have a detrimental effect on depression risk.”·
2. Sleep - Not only
does quality sleep boost your chance of making healthful food choices, it helps
improve your overall mood. You’ve probably experienced this first-hand, but if
you’re not convinced, the Science Channel explains how your body increases
stress hormone production when you aren’t well-rested. The magic number is
different for everyone, but aim for around 7 hours each night.
·
3. Develop Healthy Personal Relationships - In this
age of technology, you would think our over-connectedness would bolster our
moods. You’d be wrong. Life satisfaction has actually fallen with the increase
in “connectivity,” leading to the belief that nothing is a substitute for real
(face-to-face, not Facebook) friendships.
·
4. Meditate - Several studies have
indicated the positive link between meditation and mental health. When we are
depressed, we are “consumed by negative preoccupations, thoughts and worries,”
explains researcher Catherine Kerr.
Meditation helps temper that. Mindfulness meditation can cut the recurrence of
depression by up to 50%, a significant rate for a half-hour of your time.
·
5. Go Outside - Not only
has vitamin D (sunshine vitamin) deficiency been linked to depression,
studies have found that something as simple as a walk in the park can dramatically improve your mood and
reduce depression symptoms.
Source: http://naturalsociety.com
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