Gain inner strength and improve your mood, every day.
When the stress
and wear and tear of everyday life gets us down, there are small things
that we can do that will allow us to take a break and improve our
well-being. Here are some research-supported practices that can help us
feel better and less stressed or troubled:- Express Gratitude.
Research in positive psychology
has discovered the benefits of expressing gratitude—appreciating what
we have, or thanking someone for something positive they have done for
or given us. Not only can gratitude make us feel better and more
optimistic, but it increases empathy, and, if expressed to a friend or loved one, makes them feel better, too.
- Laugh and Be Happy.
Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it certainly can make us feel better.
Laughter can increase energy, and it’s hard to feel stressed when you
are laughing. Even smiling can have an effect. Research on the facial
feedback effect found that when participants were made to smile (by
holding a pencil between their teeth), it increased their feelings of happiness. In addition, laughter is infectious and can lighten a tense situation, or make another person feel better.
- Take a Break.
Taking a break from the everyday grind—a weekend getaway, a round of
golf, a good workout, a shopping spree—can provide welcome stress
relief. The critical element, however, is to truly “take a break,” and
not sit ruminating on what you are not getting done. Rewarding yourself
with a break is a quick way to get some relief.
- Count Your Blessings.
Related to gratitude, this is actually taking inventory of the good
things in your life. Focusing too much on the negatives, leads to pessimism
and, in extremes, can make us feel hopeless and helpless. Focus on the
positives—good friends, good times, your talents and strengths—and you
should feel better.
- Visit Someone Who Needs You.
Being a support to friends or loved ones in their time of sickness
or trouble not only makes them feel better, but can improve your
well-being, both through the shared camaraderie, and from knowing that
you are helping them get through a difficult time.
- Spend Quality Time With a Loved One.
Nothing is more rewarding than spending focused, positive time with someone you love. Whether it is a romantic dinner, an outing with a child, reminiscing with parents, or an enjoyable activity with a sibling or best friend, these intense, focused interactions lead to the positive memories that will get us through future hard times.
- Volunteer or Help Someone. Many people engage in volunteer work simply because it makes them feel good to know that they are helping others. And it's an easy thing to do because there are so many structured volunteer organizations.
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