Yesterday was International Day of Happiness.
Happiness means a lot of different things to different people. For some of us, happiness is spending time with family and friends, or it could be helping puppies at an animal shelter. Happiness could be as simple as watching the sunrise every morning, or watching the stars on your back deck at night.
Happiness is a feeling that can’t be taken for granted in your personal or professional lives. It spills into everything that you do, and makes a difference in your relationships with clients as well. You might not think there’s anything small you can do around the office to brighten your mood, but we’ve complied a few little things you can easily do to raise your spirits and gain a bit more happiness.
- Laugh a little – if you’re feeling stressed, or just generally overwhelmed, take a moment to listen to a funny joke or watch something silly on YouTube. When you laugh (a genuine one), your body releases dopamine, which reduces stress and elevates your good mood.
- Snack on nuts – walnuts, that is. According to Prevention Magazine, people who have higher Omega-3 fats in their blood are less prone to depression and have a generally sunnier disposition. Walnuts are a healthy choice and can be crunched on at your desk for a quick snack that might improve your outlook.
- Make furry friends – petting a dog or cat for just 15 minutes a day can improve your mood, too!
- Bring in the light – Sunlight, whether real or sunlight replicating bulbs, is also important in good overall health. For some people, lack of sunlight can cause serious health problems, such as seasonally occurring depression. Just a few minutes a day in the sunshine (or under a UV lamp) can make a world of difference.
These are just a few of the little things you can do to make your life (and, by extension, your world) a happier place.
