Welcome joy into your space

This year take proactive steps to increase happiness in the here and now. Seek out new experiences and adventures. Studies show that even planning to go for a comedy movie increases one’s levels of happiness. Even if you make a booking for a new adventure, your mood shifts to a more positive level.

Those who read are happier, as are those who play a game. Families who play together find themselves in an improved mood. Tai Chi or swimming help replace brain cells lost due to stress. It is believed that gardeners are happier than those who live in sterile surroundings and have nothing to do with the Earth. Being in the midst of nature for 20 minutes has a positive effect on one’s well-being. A pet, undoubtedly, contributes to wellness.

There are many easy steps you can take to welcome joy into your space:

• Get Sun in the mornings or late afternoons for a shot of instant well-being.
• Dress up and look your best every day.
• Smell flowers or spray a floral scent all around your home. A citrus scent is believed to banish depression.
• ‘The Lipstick effect’ works well for women.
• Painting rooms in sky blue shades is believed to ushers in a sense of calm.
• Food has for centuries been the way to heartfelt happiness. Walnuts, apricots, mushrooms, dark chocolate increases contentedness and caffeine increases dopamine transmission. Seafood, meat, and nuts provide zinc and can lift your mood.
• Being grateful for all that you have. Buy gifts for others. Shut off from social media. This year you get out of your auto-pilot mode and rise up.

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras and Innovation Sutra.