10 tips to a Happy You

Hello

What is the key to a long and happy life? There seems to be no single answer, but evidence does support a number of lifestyle behaviours that can increase lifespan, healthspan and overall quality of life.

Content below are according to longevity expert Dan Buettner (an American explorer, educator, author, public speaker and co producer of Emmy Award winning documentary).

1) Where you live
Individuals tend to be happiest in sunny areas and on the water as well as when they reside in neighbourhoods that encourage social interactions with sidewalks, parks and community meeting places.

2) Saving, not spending your money
Research shows that financial security rather than buying desired objects leads to a greater amount of happiness long term, the excitement around purchasing a new item wears off over time, whereas the positive feeling associated with financial security remains.

3) Get your beauty sleep
According to a University North Texas study, people with insomnia are 10 times more likely to develop depression and 17 times more likely to have anxiety than people who sleep well.Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Be sure to eat balanced breakfast to boost energy and practise 30 minutes of walking or other exercise to promote optimal wellbeing.

4) Get off the couch
The happiest people watch less than 1 hour of TV a day, according to a study of 40,000 people who took National Geographic's True Happiness Test. Genuine happiness comes from being with family and friends, or engaging in a hobby, not from your favourite show no matter how entertaining it may be.

5) Meet that special someone
Research shows that people in long term committed relationships live longer with fewer diseases and less stress. Even better, several studies have shown that married people are 2x more likely to be happy than non married people.

6) Socialize daily
Studies show that the happiest people get at least 6 hours a day of interaction with friends or family. Harvard University research found that with each happy friend we add to our social circles, our won happiness grows by 9%. For each unhappy friend, our happiness declines by 7%. So, become friends with those you like and surround yourself with these people regularly.

7) Attend a place of worship on a weekly basis
Research shows that people who belong to a faith based community and attend services more than once a week live as many as7 years longer than people who don't.


8) Become a pet owner
Pet owners have lower blood pressure and fewer stress hormones circulating in their blood.

9) Create a 'happy place' in your home
Make a naturally well-lit room in your place where you can read, play an instrument, spend time with family and friend or enjoy a hobby. The natural light will help increase mood enhancing serotonin levels.

10) Be a giver
You don't have to give material object-time is also a gift eg sign up to help out at your child's school or volunteer at local senior centre.

-HealthNewsDigest.com