Health and happiness go hand in hand | Harvard Health

Ofcourse it's a challenge for even a happy-go-lucky person to remain upbeat.

Like any aspect of wellness, happiness is a constant work in progress.

No matter your current state of happiness, there are ways to boost your outlook and give your mental health a life.

See below...

The Harvard study led by Dr Robert Waldinger, director of the longest running study on happiness, found a strong link between happiness and close relationships with family and friends.

If you want to feel a sense of purpose and improve your mood, consider volunteering projects.

Take the initiative to be a good neighbour by keeping the streets tidy from litter.

Research has shown that this positive effect was especially strong in adults.

The planning and the deliberate intention to do good for others can have an important effect on one's wellbeing.

Altruistic kindness refers to a selfless act of kindness which can stimulate the same pleasure centres of the brain activated when we eat comfort food, exercise or have sex. This offers an insight into how important cooperation has been to human survival.

Altruism refers to helping someone with:

• No expectation of a reward
• Helping someone despite personal costs or risks
• Sharing resources even in the face of scarcity
• Showing concern for anothers wellbeing

When you are older, you may have the chance to revisit activities that gave you joy as a child or young adult.

What made you happy when you were younger?

Pick up those hobbies, games, sports, or other interests from your youth.

Research studies have shown that no matter a person's income, spending money on time saving purchases, such as paying to delegate household chores, have a greater life satisfaction.

You can support small businesses such as cleaning ladies to put food on the table for their kids to say the least.

Money can buy happiness through life experiences.

Opt for a dinner in an ethnic restaurant, or an art exhibition. The investment can have a lasting impact.

Studies have shown that people who spend money on life experiences have longer term satisfaction, as they create happier memories.

In comparison to this, buying material objects provides often only temporary happiness.

A study looked at urban green spaces and their effect on citizens in 90 cities worldwide.

It found that people's happiness correlated with the areas amount of urban green space, regardless of the country's economic state.

Creating your own green space can have a similar effect.

Research has shown that gardening at home improves emotional wellbeing in the same way that activities such as cycling and walking do.

Purchase plants and flowers to decorate your home. The benefits of this is a whole other topic.

Having more variety in your daily routines can make one feel happier.

Even small changes can have a big impact.

Research results show that altering ones regular pattern, such as trying a new excercise program every few weeks, listening to podcasts on some days and music on other days, or just taking a different route to the grocery store, can add spice to your life.

Set time aside to write down the things you are grateful for in your life.

It could be something you take for granted such as

• A roof over your head
• A supportive family
• Something simple like recieving a compliment
• Enjoying a good book
• Today's good weather
• A great tasting meal

Research has found that when people are given more options, they have more opportunities for regret and worry.

To protect your happiness, limit the amount of time you give yourself to choose, or pick between fewer options.

Don't allow yourself to second guess the decision once it's made.

Try to avoid looking back once the decision has been made.