You may be of those cynics who believe that happiness is an over rated emotion but according to psychiatrists, it is not very difficult to attain the state of bliss.
In the third decade of the last century, an Austrian psychiatrist named W Beran Wolfe summed up his life's philosophy with, "If you observe a really happy man, you will find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, growing double dahlias in his garden, or looking for dinosaur eggs in the Gobi Desert."
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Wolfe may not be completely wrong because little things make you inch towards the feeling of contentment. So here are few shortcuts to happiness.
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- Plan your vacations in advance
Nothing releases endorphins quicker than planning a vacation. According to a study published in the journal of Applied Research in Quality of ,the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation and the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.
- Try one new thing every month
Hobbies are a great way to boost your mood. No only does it take your mind away from the drudgery of life, it also helps you make friends. By diversifying your hobbies to include larger social activities, you'll have more chances of finding contentment.
- Hit the snooze button
You don't have to plan for an eight hour nap. Research shows that short snaps have the power to improve your mood and make you more attentive. In a recent study, researchers at NASA have found that a 30-minute power nap increased cognitive faculties by almost 40 percent! So go ahead and indulge in a snooze break for overall health.
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- Get your dose of vitamin D
At least ten minutes of soaking in early morning light can lift your spirits immensely and it will help you stay away from SAD (seasonal affective disorder ) Basking in the sun also produces endorphins which relieve pain, produce euphoria and gives you sudden bursts of energy.
- Have sex
We don't need to tell you this for sure. Though it is not clear whether more sex directly equals more happiness or if happier people just tend to have more sex. Either way, though, it's hard to imagine people frowning during the act.
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- Exercise
Always treat exercise as non negotiable. Working out stimulates the production of endorphins, the chemical substances produced by the body that makes you feel happy and exhilarated. So whether you're trying to lose weight or simply stretching your muscles, exercise should always be on the table.
- Switch off
No matter how much neck deep you are at work, it is necessary to take breaks every now and then. Switch off completely and do anything- go for a walk, listen to music, meditate, or try some deep breathing exercises. Include some method of relaxation into your daily routine, you'll be sure to stay refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalized.
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