Habits can be tough to break, especially the bad ones! Luckily, some parts of your daily routine might actually improve your mental health and boost your happiness. You might already be doing these things without realizing it! Here are 6 ‘good habits’ that science says will make you more content.
Savor the Good Times
In our busy, fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to focus on what’s next and fail to stop and ‘smell the roses.’ Try to savor positive experiences, like a child does—focus on the moment and try to enjoy the good times no matter what is lurking on the horizon. Practicing mindfulness is one way to help fixate on the moment and stop your mind from dwelling on past problems or future tasks.
Exercise Regularly
We all know that physical activity is good for our bodies, but it’s a potent mood booster as well. The Mental Health Foundation states that even 10 minutes of exercise will make you feel more calm, alert, and motivated. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood and make you feel happier and more content. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Spend Time in Nature
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in the ‘wild’ among greenery, wildlife, and natural landscapes increases happiness and reduces stress. It’s not just the increased serotonin you’re getting from sunlight, either—a sense of awe and curiosity about the natural world makes us feel calm, fulfilled, and appreciative. So, grab your wellies and get out there!
Express Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t just benefit the receiver—it boosts the mood of the person giving thanks, too. Mental Health First Aid writes, “Studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms.” Acknowledging thankfulness can significantly improve overall life satisfaction.
Get Enough Sleep
When you’re sleep-deprived, everything is more complicated and stressful—it’s hard to concentrate, and you’re irritable and prone to making mistakes. Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to anxiety, depression, and poor attention span. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night to wake up feeling refreshed.
Help Others
Like gratitude, helping others isn’t just beneficial for the recipient; it’s great for the helper, too. Studies show that acts of kindness (like volunteering, doing favors, or raising money for charity) trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, increasing feelings of happiness, purpose, and social belonging. Just make sure you save enough time for self-care, too.
