The Six Daily Habits That Are Scientifically PROVEN To Make You Happier

Revealed: The six daily habits that are scientifically PROVEN to make you happier (including listening to your favourite song and NOT hitting the snooze button)

• Psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd unveils six easy steps to boost your mood
• Emphasis on the mind body link - when we feel good physically we are happier
• Includes listening to a feel-good track and not hitting the snooze button

Even those with a naturally sunny disposition can succumb to the occasional bad mood.

But if you got out of the wrong side of bed this morning, these six simple tips could come to your aid - as they're scientifically proven to make you happier.

Psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd told FEMAIL how making minor changes to your routine can have a major impact on your day with her list of six scientifically proven mood-boosting strategies, from avoiding the snooze button to a good old-fashioned feel-good tune...



Dr Jessamy Hibberd emphasises the importance of the mind-body link, pointing out that when we feel good physically, it benefits us emotionally

DON'T HIT SNOOZE



You might think a few extra minutes of sleep will make you happier, but getting up and throwing open the curtains is a better mood booster


'How you feel when you first wake up is not a gauge for how you’ll feel for the rest of the day,' says Dr Hibberd.

'When your alarm goes off, get up, instead of lying there thinking of all the things you don’t want to do. Once you’re up, your mood will naturally lift.

'Make sure you open the curtains too - natural light will stimulate the feel-good hormone serotonin, which will make you feel more awake and boost your mood.'

LISTEN TO YOUR FAVOURITE HAPPY SONG



Are you a Pharrell fan? Listening to upbeat tracks like his hit Happy can boost your mood

'As you’re getting up, put on your favourite song (or at least turn on the radio).

'Music and mood are inherently linked. Songs you love are shown to bring pleasure, engagement and meaning.

'Scientists have found that listening to a particularly happy song changes the way we perceive the world for the better.'

NOTICE THE GOOD

'Good things are happening all of the time, but when life takes hold it can sometimes be difficult to give them the attention they deserve.

'We focus instead on the things we’re unhappy with, anxious about or finding difficult. It’s important to remember you have a choice in where you direct your attention – if you shift your focus and notice the everyday things that make you feel good (rather than waiting for the big things or wishing time away) it can make a real difference to your mood.

'Add in some gratitude and you’ll feel even better. People who are grateful tend to be happier, healthier and more fulfilled.'

LAUGH



Catch up with a friend who makes you laugh - nurturing relationships and having a giggle are both great ways to boost your happiness

'Make time for some fun and have a giggle.

'Research shows that laughter soothes tension, improves your immune system and even eases pain.

'It’s a brilliant way to boost mood, switch off and it’s good for your brain. Smiling also has a great effect, it triggers feelings of happiness (even if you’re not feeling happy) as our facial expressions influence our emotions.'

SEE A FRIEND

'A new study called the Origins of Happiness has found that on average people have become no happier in the last 50 years, despite incomes more than doubling.

'Whilst it might feel like you’ll be happier when you can afford a new car/outfit/bag, it’s investing in our relationships and health that is most important.

'Friends make you feel good and are good for you. Relationships enhance your quality of life, reduce isolation, are protective against depression and are a great source of support, fun and love.'

PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

'Perform a random act of kindness and give someone else a smile. A random act of kindness is anything that helps others or makes them happy (typically at a cost to you) whether it’s holding the door open, helping someone with their buggy down the stairs, writing a kind message or donating blood.

'You’re not only doing a good thing, you’ll feel good too as committing regular random acts of kindness can significantly increase happiness levels for several weeks.

'It stimulates the release of endorphins and there’s a strong relationship between this type of activity and increased self-esteem and self-worth.'

THE PSYCHOLOGIST'S VIEW...

Dr Hibberd stresses that, while much of what happens during our day is outside of our control, we DO have a choice in how we mentally approach the day...

'How we feel (our emotions) is connected to we think, what we do and how our body feels,' the psychologist says.

'The link is bidirectional, so if you change one for the better, the others improve too.'

Three strategies for boosting your mood and feeling happier:

1. Use the mind body link – how you feel physically has a big impact on how you feel emotionally, so use this to your advantage

2. Do something that makes you happy – what you do is a really simple way to change how you’re feeling, so make sure you plan in something to make it a good day

3. Think better feel better – what you think has a big impact on how you feel. When your thoughts are more positive it has a positive knock on effect on your mood

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