Did you know that your happiness begins with you? It’s all really quite simple: because the key to being happy is to stay content and to remain in a place of comfort with all that you have going for you. Stress is an unwanted element in life, and can affect you adversely by impacting your health and well being. Here are a few ways to be happy.
– Indulge in a pastime that lets you unwind and follow your heart with passion. Nothing gives you happiness more than being in touch with your inner self by giving you exactly what you like to do most.
– Go on quiet, relaxing strolls that allow you to be one with your own thoughts, and to allow yourself clarity in your thinking.
– Listen to peaceful music that helps you de-stress and unwind without much effort on your part. It actually fills your brain with feel-good chemicals that cut back on stress!
– Be one with nature: watch birds, or walk amidst greenery, and spend time with animals. It helps you tune into yourself and forget your worries easily.
– Take a snack break when you feel too stressed. A light snack, a small slab of chocolate or a drink can help soothe your mind.
– Sleep well. Either take power naps or sleep a whole night without interruption. Even twenty minutes in between a stressful day can work wonders for your mind.
– Write your thoughts out, either in a journal, or on a sheet of paper that can help you get your worries, anger and negative feelings out of your system.
– Indulge your imagination with visualisation, as it can help you calm down and reduce the extent of stress and anxiety you may experience thanks to work and other demands of life.
– Exercise regularly, for it helps your body enjoy the rush of endorphins, which in turn keeps stress in check.
– Spend time with your loved ones, and don’t hold back on hugging and kissing to show your love. In the company of those that you love, you are uninhibited and you enjoy the freedom of your own identity!
– Laugh out loud. Whether it is after watching a sitcom that cracks you up unfailingly, or if it is after watching a particularly ridiculous sketch by your favourite stand up comedian online, make sure to indulge in anything that makes you laugh out loud. Laughter is a phenomenal de-stressing technique.

References:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/13-scientifically-PROVEN-ways-to-de-stress/articleshow/46876749.cms
http://www.happyhalfway.com/ways-to-be-happy.html
http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Health/Simple-Ways-to-Be-Happy.aspx

Picture Courtesy: http://claire-smith.com/