Ornamenting our homes with art we love and objects of meaning can create a happiness-inducing space

26 Jun Ornamenting our homes with art we love and objects of meaning can create a happiness-inducing space

But the extra clutter we accumulate over the years can be counterproductive, leaving us feeling disorganized and claustrophobic. It’ll serve you well to clear out those unwanted belongings as they accumulate.

21. Take a 30-Minute Walk

A brisk walk is one of the best exercises for you. And it only takes 20 minutes for your brain to start releasing endorphins and dopamine – those feel-good hormones that make you happy.

22. Go Outside

People are happiest in nature. No shopping mall, amusement park, or museum can compete with the positive effect the rugged wilderness has on our mood. It doesn’t need to be a world-class beach or awe-inspiring canyon, either. The neighborhood park is natural enough to do the trick.

23. Join a Team

Participating in a team sport or activity, or even a group project at work, gives us a deepened sense of self-worth, purpose, and meaning.

25. Do a Good Deed

The reward is two-fold: Random acts of kindness make us feel good as well as the recipients of our good deed. Pay for the next order before you drive away from the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru. Tape a scratch-off lottery ticket to the gas pump. Get creative and reap the rewards.

26. Get a Good Night’s Rest

Getting 8 hours of quality shut-eye is linked to increased happiness. A good night’s slumber also sharpens our focus during the day. If you want to boost your productivity, don’t skimp on your sleep.

27. Make a Gigantic To-Do List

Making a big, long to-do list might seem daunting. All those unfinished tasks staring you in the face. But research has found that we get a buzz of accomplishment and satisfaction each time we cross an item off the list – no matter how big or small the task.

28. Stop and Smell the Roses

Good smells such as floral scents can actually make you happier. So poke your nose down and smell the tulips blooming. Or, if it’s the dead of winter, spend some time around a floral scented candle.

29. Read a Novel

Letting your mind escape into a fantasy realm for awhile can actually boost your happiness. So open up a good book and don’t be afraid to let your imagination run away with it.

30. Light a Candle

Candlelight can have a calming effect and help reduce stress. It can also increase self-awareness. Spending a few minutes in solitude with even a single flickering flame can be a soothing experience. Candles scented in lavender or ylang-ylang further enhance the stress-reducing effects of quiet time spent in candlelight.

31. Go to the Museum

Museums are places where stories are told, traditions are challenged, minds expand, and beauty is everywhere to behold. And, according to many schools of thought, all those things are good for our well-being.

32. Laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine, and in many ways it’s true. Studies show that a dose of hearty laughter can boost your immune system as well as your heart rate, giving you a natural high similar to the one you feel after a great workout Aisle.

33. Sing Your Heart Out

Singing, particularly in a choir, gives the body a shot of endorphins and dopamine – the same hormones that produce the “runner’s high” people feel after pounding out a few miles on the pavement. But a singer’s high comes with all sorts of added benefits – stress reduction, pain alleviation, and an overall feeling of contentment.

34. Organize Your Bedroom

Rid your world of clutter and breathe a sigh of relief. A tidy living space boosts happiness, promotes productivity, and enhances peace of mind.