We all seek to be happier.
But don't worry, it's not that complicated!
To feel good, sometimes it only takes a few things...
In any case, this is the conclusion of 12 scientific studies on the subject.
These studies reveal 12 simple ways to feel better every day.
You will see that simple small changes can really improve your daily life.
Whether it's writing down on a piece of paper the positive things that happened during the day or simply putting on a smile, here are 12 things you can do to be happier:
Instead of buying yourself more and more material things, why not try to please people other than yourself?
Why ? Because spending money to please others will make you much happier. This is a study published in Psychological Bulletin who affirms it.
The study has shown that the happiest people are those who are generous , even if they don't make a lot of money.
Conclusion, if you want to be happier, try giving to associations or people in need, rather than buying yourself the latest iPhone.
Example: this morning, when I buy myself a croissant on the way to the office, I also buy a bag of pastries to share with my colleagues.
Yes, all you need is a pen and a sheet of paper to make it work.
Martin Seligman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, and several other studies have studied people who usually list the 3 best things that happened to them during the day.
They concluded that people who make this little list every day are much happier than others.
And don't worry, these positive things don't have to be amazing things!
It can be very simple things of everyday life.
Example: a smile from someone you love or the fact that your spouse has thought of buying you your favorite dessert at the bakery.
People who have a taste for adventure, who try new experiences and who know how to break the monotony of everyday life are generally happier.
It was a study by the University of San Francisco that made these conclusions.
What are the reasons ? Trying out new things keeps motor skills sharp and boosts brain activity .
Example: I spend every Sunday taking care of the laundry for the whole family. This weekend, I'm not doing it! I'm going for a bike ride in the countryside.
Thinking about pleasant things that will happen in the near future is a great way to feel happy.
Why ? Because anticipating a happy moment allows you to live this moment in your head and therefore to feel happiness in the present moment.
Several studies have shown that we instinctively put off our celebrations.
Indeed, anticipating a pleasant event is also part of the pleasure.
Example: I reserve a table in my favorite restaurant for in 2 weeks. I'm going to think about it for several days in advance and start savoring the moment well before D-Day.
Researchers at the University of Sussex in the United States have shown that exposure to the color blue skyrockets self-confidence, reduces stress levels and increases feelings of happiness.
This same study also discovered that when a person looks at something blue, their happiness-related brain activity is more intense.
And according to The Daily Mail , our attraction to blue is a legacy of our ancestors.
Indeed, these “associated the color with that of the sky, which symbolizes a day well accomplished and presages a good night's sleep. »
Example: I get a few blue items like a bedspread, curtains or dishes. I'm repainting a room in the house blue.
According to psychologist Jonathan Freedman, people who set goals, whether short or long term, are happier than those who set no goals.
Similarly, Richard Davidson, a neurologist at the University of Wisconsin, found that setting goals can not only increase feelings of well-being but also suppress negative emotions.
Example: I go back to sport once a week and I sign up for a language course.
The best way to stay happy is to stay neutral , according to Dr. Chopra, author of the best-selling book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Ask for Happiness and You Shall Receive It .
According to Dr. Chopra, “You can save 99% of your mental energy—and therefore live happier—if you stop defending your point of view tooth and nail. »
Example: my grandmother cannot conceive that global warming is due to human activity and that we must all make efforts for the planet. I don't waste my energy trying – unsuccessfully – to convince her at the next family reunion.
Sleeping six hours and 15 min of uninterrupted sleep makes us happier. This is the conclusion of a study commissioned by the British company Yeo Valley.
As part of this study, researchers asked adults aged 18 to 65 to rate their level of happiness, on a scale of 1 to 5.
They found that the happiest people are those who sleep about 6 hours and 15 minutes a night .
Example: I force myself to turn off my smartphone and go to bed with a book and a herbal tea.
Also according to the British Sleep Study, researchers found that the happiest people live less than 20 minutes from their place of work .
In fact, the commuting time to work is directly related to our general state of health, both physical and mental.
Example: instead of always leaving at rush hour, I try to shift my departure before or after to get to work faster.
People who say they have 10 friends they can count on are happier than those who have less than 5.
It was a study by the University of Nottingham that revealed this phenomenon.
These results seem to confirm the old adage that “the merrier the merrier”.
In fact, the study found that the more close friends you have, the happier you are.
Study researchers concluded that it is essential to maintain friendships if we want to increase our personal happiness .
Example: I regularly check in with my friends, and try to devote part of my free time to them regularly.
This technique may seem a bit difficult... but it really works!
Acting like you were happy when you're a little sad can actually make you feel better.
As proof, several studies indicate that the simple act of smiling can make you feel better. So when do you start?
Example: I feel a little sad tonight. Instead of starting to complain, I force myself to smile in the mirror and call a friend to tell them about the positive things of the day (see point n°2).
Romantic relationships are a determining factor in our happiness.
It has been shown that people in a relationship are generally happier than those who are not.
According to a Cornell University study, being married increases our well-being, regardless of the quality of the marriage.
The researchers also discovered that the happiest people are those with the most bonds in their couple.
Example: instead of spending my evening in front of the TV, I go have a drink in a bar and I muster up my courage to talk to people and thus meet people.
