Half of our happiness comes from our genetic make-up and we have the chance to determine the other half!

Our actions can have a direct effect on our level of happiness.

So if you are interested in living a happier, longer and of healthier life, here are some tips on how to achieve it:

Laugh often

The best medicine! Laughing out loud releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. Surround yourself with funny people, learn to take yourself less seriously and watch comedies once in a while. This is what I enjoy the most when I spend time in front of the TV – rarely 😀

Have a strong support system

To have a circle of good friends and family makes a difference, as people’s happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected.

Bounce back

Life is full of teachable moments, and you can learn valuable lessons from your mistakes.

It’s full of setbacks, ups and downs, learn valuable lessons from your mistakes and move forward. Easy to say but so difficult to get over it…use those bad moments to make yourself stronger for other situations.

If I look back, I would say my eating disorder made me stronger not just physically but most of all mentally.

Look for the good – be optimistic

An optimist perceives setbacks as meaningful and uses these situations as an opportunity to grow. Even in a regular situation, these people always find a reason to be excited. A simple activity such as having a brunch with friends might bring you excitement. Going to the gym and doing my favourite classes makes my day.

Learn to enjoy spending time alone

First, realize that it’s not a selfish act to take time out for you as it allows you to be able to give back to the world around you. The best way to take a break from the chaos? Unplug your phone, step away from your computer. Your concentration and productivity will improve, and it will help you discover (or rediscover) your own voice, give you a chance to think deeply, and help you problem-solve more effectively.

I spend most of my time on Instagram but when I turn off my phone for while I have more energy to give you guys tips when I turn it back on!

Have a purpose

Have a meaning or a goal in each situation in life. Your purpose in life might range from being the best parent ever, joining a fitness class and becoming fitter to thinking of starting your passion business.

No one can tell you what your heart longs for and only you will have the passion to find it. Follow your bliss!

Do good deeds

The act to giving to others or being generous with your close people releases endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin in your body, creating an effect similar to a drug-induced high without the damage that drugs do to your body.

Live in the moment

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the moment. Carpe diem.

Listen to music

Music is a powerful mood-altering agent, and each type of music can give a different good feeling needed at a specific moment.

Classical or slow music can decrease the release of cortisol in your system to help calm you. Upbeat music can give you an energy boost and elevate your mood.

Sometimes when I think about a sad situation in my past, I try not to waste more time fighting that fight again, I directly head to the gym to dance with the most motivating music and I follow the rhythm, no choreography at all and after that I feel so good that, automatically, my mind records this habit for the next time that happens.

Spend quality time in nature

Swimming in the ocean or taking a stroll with your dog through the forest are all free activities that will put a spring in your step. It gives you vitality and a heightened sense of freedom.

Exercise

If it is not at the top of your to-do list, at least should be in there. As it helps you feel good in both ways, mentally and physically.

Exercise increases the amount of happy chemicals released in your brain, creating a smile on your face. Exercise also helps your digestion, keeps your heart healthy, aids in sleep and helps you look good.

So if you want to be happy and healthy, get off that couch and go for a jog

Get a good night’s sleep

This is the most crucial factor to do everything else properly! Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and a minimum of 7 hours is the best way to be sure you can function properly and have good energy levels which will improve your mood. I can say that from experience, I rarely sleep more than 6 hours, and I am still working on that because when I do get more sleep I feel so much energy…

Surprises

Make your life a game full of surprises!