Cindy
Does feeling happy sometimes feel out of reach? I believe it helps to approach becoming happier by looking at it as self care for your whole being. Focusing on the inner and outer well-being of a person can cover all the bases and create a more well-rounded and centered feeling of happiness.
One way to look at both the inner and outer components of a whole person is to break it down into 5 parts.
Those 5 parts can be labeled intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational. If you create happiness in all of these areas of your life, then you can feel like more of a whole, fulfilled, and happier person.
Here is a list of 5 simple ways to help yourself feel happier:
1. Exercise
Exercise elevates brain chemicals connected with feeling happier and more calm. Some of these chemicals are endorphins, adrenaline, and dopamine. If you find an exercise or sport that you really enjoy, then you will be much more likely to stick with a consistent exercise routine. It also helps to have a friend, spouse, or other family member to exercise with or who at least has a shared interest. Walking is an excellent exercise that is free and our bodies are naturally built to enjoy. The fresh air and consistent movement is a great way to get a boost of happiness.
Check out one of my go-to favs: The Fresh Foam walking shoe from New Balance…over 1,000 GREAT REVIEWS! 
2. Meditation
A simple form of silent stillness. It is known for lowering blood pressure, improving health, and making you feel happier and more calm. If you focus on a heightened feeling of happiness during meditation, then happy feelings can stay with you all day. Check out Amazon for one of my favorite books: “Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill.” Beautifully written by Matthieu Ricard, this great book includes some simple meditation exercises to use as a guide if you are new to meditation.
Want to discover a bit more about meditation? Check out my post on “5 Ways to Mindful Meditation!”
Photo courtesy of Taste of Home.com
3. Eating Nutritious Food
Eating more fruits and vegetables can uplift your mood, have a calming effect, create more energy and improve overall happiness. Studies do show that this way of eating helps with mental wellbeing, happiness, and overall life satisfaction. Here is a recipe for a colorful veggie salad to help get you started – brought to us by the fantastic folks at Taste Of Home.com!
4. Altruism
Helping others with kind, giving acts (small and large) of kindness have shown to create a feeling of belonging and connectedness, reduce a sense of isolation, boost happiness, health, and a sense of well-being. Altruism can be contagious! Spread your love to feel happy!
Check out this great book on Amazon about altruism and how it can help you and others is, “Doing Good Better” by William MacAskill.
Photo Courtesy of Cindy Mott McGarry
5. Making art
Creating art in any configuration results in a sense of fulfillment and reduces cortisol (a stress hormone). It can also deliver other hormones called endorphins which can fight stress, and bring about an elevated sense of happiness.
This Lido Key sunset is one of my favorite pieces. Making art is very therapeutic and freeing for me. Sharing art is sharing a piece of yourself. Check out my website to see more of how I see the world!
Want to get started with producing art? Check out this exceptional “starter kit” value from Amazon : 148 piece, art supply kit from Lucky Crown!
There are endless options for art supplies online. It’s fun to experiment with a new medium or to make art with a medium you are familiar with.
Truly, “Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” – Anonymous
Wishing you kindness, happiness and peace,
Cindy
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