What if instead of working out in the gym we dedicated 10-15 minutes a day to increase our happiness?
You train your body, so why not your mind?
As it turns out, both actually “learn” in the same way. If you want big, bulky biceps, for example, you do curls with progressively heavier weights. The muscle learns what to expect and adapts accordingly. If you want more happiness and success, you take a series of repeated actions with your body and mind, and they adjust accordingly.
Are you ready to start seeing results in your happiness? Here are five simple exercises to start practicing right now, as soon as you wrap up that gym workout.
5 Exercises That Increase Happiness and Positivity
If you’ve ever read anything about Positive Psychology, you might realize that you’ve been doing these exercises intuitively for years.
Even if you’re new to each of them, though, incorporating them into your life is a great way to generate more happiness and peace in your daily life.
1. Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For
Make writing down 3 NEW things that you are grateful for each day a habit.
In the beginning, this practice may be challenging, but it will get more comfortable with time. Keep in mind that your “gratitude list” doesn’t have to be full of lofty things.
It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a healthy dog to go on a run with.
If you don’t notice any effect, at first, stick with it. It can take some time to rewire your thinking pattern, but it will be well worth the effort.
2. Start Journaling
Write down your positive emotions, everyday achievements, and kindness that people have shown you. This is a great way to relive positive experiences and keep your mind focused on your blessings.
3. Make Exercise a Priority
Did you know that exercising your body can raise your happiness level? Regular workouts affect our sense of happiness on several levels.
On the physical, a good sweat session triggers the release of dopamine.
Exercise also helps to combat fatigue and apathy. As if that weren’t enough, exercises teach the brain that our behavior matters.
By pushing your body a little further, you are actually boosting your self-confidence and creating a sense of achievement.
4. Start Meditating
There are many benefits of meditation, and an increased sense of happiness is one of them.
Meditation helps calm anxiety, stop negative thinking, and promote happiness. It also helps you learn to stay focused on the present moment and savor it.
5. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Acts of kindness not only create positivity, but they also contribute to our happiness.
You’ve probably noticed that giving a gift is more satisfying than receiving one, or that making a person laugh feels better than reading a joke.
Neurologists have noticed that when we engage in activities that help others, our brains releaseendorphins, which induce a feeling of well-being.
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Our team at The Fitness Tribe often collaborates together to produce content. Many times the content is not written by a single author, instead it is usually a team effort.