If there were a pill for guaranteed happiness, we’d all be on a lifetime prescription. But the one thing science HAS proven is that finding a sense of inner joi and contentment has a significant, positive impact on your life. According to the editors at Psychology Today,
“Low-intensity positive emotions are great. They’re the bread and butter of everyday well-being. This said, high-intensity positive emotions have special benefits. They actually help lengthen the lifespan.”
And getting there is within your grasp. It starts with feeding all of your senses – from those that nurture your physical self, to others that elevate you on a more spiritual level. Try these easy joi-boosting tips to get you started…
THE SPIRITUAL BOOST
The term spirituality is quite vast; and can include any type of activity that promotes a sense of bliss and well-being. Observing faith, meditation, acts of service, philanthropy, setting aside moments of gratitude – these heart-filling opportunities lift the soul, taking us out of a cluttered head space and away from the anxieties of everyday life. Martin Seligman, director of the Positive Psychology Network, recommends a “beautiful day” exercise in which you relish the present moment. “The exercise involves outlining how your ideal day would look like. Once you have your outline, put each step into practice while enjoying the present moment of each situation.
THE PHYSICAL BOOST
Slogging through a gym routine may feel like the daily drudge, but there’s no getting around the fact that exercise increases endorphins, the chemical in our bodies responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health, physical movement can even reduce depression. Which doesn’t mean you have to do CrossFit in order to feel good – even a simple, daily half-hour walk can turn your entire outlook around. If you’re on-the-go, then check out this list of online fitness programs that you can stream straight from your phone.
THE INTELLECTUAL BOOST
“Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, and shouldn’t be neglected. Including mental dexterity exercises into your daily routine can help you reap the benefits of a sharper mind and a healthier body for years to come,” say editors at Healthline.com. In addition to brain-boosting activities like reading, taking classes (try MasterClass.com), and enjoying the arts, you might also want to consider the simple act of journaling: Studies actually show that writing about your daily experiences can boost the immune system function. (Exactly how is still up for debate; but writing increases the CD4+lymphocyte count – building blocks to a healthy immune system.)
THE EMOTIONAL BOOST
It’s all-too-easy to ignore your own needs when you’re busy taking care of everyone around you; but the mental-health benefits of self-care are well documented. The big hurdle is to learn how to get over the notion that daily random acts of kindness for yourself is an egoistic pursuit. In fact, the opposite may be true: The better you feel, the easier it is to radiate goodness to others. Everyone’s path to emotional well-being is different, but buying yourself flowers, getting a manicure, or enjoying a decadent treat are all bonafide winners. So is guaranteeing yourself a good hair day…which is easy with new Dream Blowout, the one-step speed styler that creates a dreamy, shiny, smooth ‘do in a fraction of the usual blow-drying time.
