8 Ways to stay happy in uncertain times

The science of emotions is incredibly complicated, but one thing we know for sure is, happiness is good for your overall health! In times of stress and anxiety, there are simple steps you can take to lift your mood. Here we have put together 8 ways to be happy!

1. Laugh More

You’ve heard the phrase ‘laughter is the best medicine’, right? Well, in this case, it might just be! Try to incorporate more laughter into your day while at home with the family. Laughter can help in a crisis, including a global pandemic.

According to Psychologist Prof Richard Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire, "finding the funny is a common way of coping”. There are studies which show that those who ‘find the funny’ are psychologically and physically healthier.

2. Celebrate You

Set yourself goals and targets every day and build your self-confidence by recognising your achievements and greatness. Reward yourself with a treat once you’ve successfully completed your tasks.

Setting realistic goals and working towards them will provide you with a distraction. Stress often raises our blood pressure which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Concentrating on something else distracts you from whatever is it you’re worried about.

3. Keep Moving

Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins and the good news is, you can get active in the comfort of your own home or garden. So what if your Zumba class has been cancelled for the foreseeable, there are plenty of online videos you can follow!

Even if you just go for a jog around your garden or follow a HIIT session, just 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to release serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all good chemicals that can make us feel instantly happier!

4. Stick On Some Tunes

It might sound obvious, but listening to feel-good music has a positive effect on the brain. Rhythmic tunes alter the speed of our brain waves and slower beats can help us feel calmer. The radio can also help us feel more positive and gives the day structure, providing company especially if you are working from home or living alone.

5. Be Kind

Even the smallest random acts of kindness can help us to feel more positive. Helping others can give you something to do as a distraction and helps make the person in need to feel less stressed and happy. There are things you can do to help others without even leaving your house, call someone you know is alone, help someone on an online forum or get creative and make something to send to a friend or neighbour.

6. Sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural way of repairing itself and the mind. Make sure you have a restful night’s sleep (around 7-8 hours every night).

7. Colour Your Life

There is lots of research to show how colour can affect our emotions, especially yellow! According to researchers, eating yellow foods and wearing bright clothing cheers people up more than any other colour. Yellow causes positive reactions linked with the warmth of the sun or the brightness of children’s toys.

8. Declutter

Set aside 20 minutes every day to clear your surroundings. A clean and decluttered home provides numerous health benefits and can help reduce anxiety, stress and generally make you feel more positive and energetic.