Happiness Hacks

If you’ve got a tree in your yard strong enough to support a tree house, get the children in your family involved in helping you create a design for a tree house, shop for the wood and nails (and all the other construction materials you’ll need), and build it. Not only will the children love you for building something that will surely give them many hours of fun memories, but you’ll be creating a special space where you can share your inner child with the children in your life!

When you find a happiness quote you love, add it to your email signature so that it will be read by everyone you correspond with throughout your day. Also, when you happen upon a funny meme, hilarious story, joke, or quote, text them to someone you know who needs a boost. If the recipient is having a bad day, your dose of optimism, humor, and happiness may be just what that person needs to start gig- gling and get back into a joyful groove.

Some of us can get so good at negative or obsessive thinking that we do it without even being consciously aware that we’re doing it. You may think I know I’ll make a poor impression at this job interview! the second you set up the interview. This type of negative thinking can happen faster than you can manufacture happy thoughts to counter them. The good news is that you can learn to interrupt these negative thoughts and then deal more realistically with them. One tactic is to interrupt negative thoughts by simply saying “Stop!” to yourself. Then switch to a positive thought before any other troubling thoughts emerge. A new, more optimistic thought—such as I will be relaxed, positive, and learn a lot from my interview!—will allow you to stop your negative thinking. This is a simple but highly effective technique.

This may seem simplistic, but many, many people go through their days without doing anything fun. Studies have clearly shown that doing something breaks obsessive thoughts. Doing something fun will get you off the beaten track so that you can put things into perspective and get rid of negative feelings or thoughts that have been weighing you down. Not to mention the obvious: it’s fun! So whether your fun is skydiving, reading a great novel, swimming, playing with kids, or having a little romantic encounter with your significant other, the lesson here is to stop wishing or thinking about it—get out there and do it.

Researchers at Harvard University have found that keeping fresh flowers in your living or working space helps keep anxiety and negative moods at bay. People in the study who were around fresh flowers were also more compassionate toward others and more enthusiastic at work, plus they felt a boost of energy. So don’t wait for a birthday or Valentine’s Day to buy some flowers for yourself or your sweetie! Buy some today. 

Sunlight has been proven to help battle depression and negative thoughts and help people feel better. The human body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s rays, and when we have vitamin D deficiency, we tend to feel tired, anxious, and depressed. So step into the sunshine for ten to twenty minutes for a boost of happiness! If you can’t get outside, try using a light therapy lamp to simulate the same feelings.

The scent of oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits eases stress and creates positive chemical reactions in your brain. In addition to enjoying the scent of fresh fruit, you can also apply a few drops of diluted citrus essential oil to your pressure points or use diluted citrus oil in a soothing bath. You can also have a nice glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and get the added benefits of drinking vitamin C. 

Researchers at Kent State University conducted a study of five hundred students and found that frequent smartphone use was associated with lower grades, higher anxiety, and reduced happiness. People who spend a lot of time on their devices are more vulnerable to social comparisons, and that leaves them feeling a sense of emptiness. The fear of “missing out” and feeling inadequate makes it difficult for people to stay present and happy in their own lives. So, a caution: use your smartphone in moderation. 

Spending money on other people can boost happiness more than spending money on yourself. According to a Harvard University study, people who bought things for others felt significantly happier immediately after the purchase and upon recollection of the purchase than people who used the money to buy something for themselves. And the good feelings you get from spending on others often lead to doing the same thing in the future. See? Philanthropy grows happiness! 

Sex is a surefire way to get happy any day of the week, but if you really want to kick up the happiness factor, try some new sexual positions. After all, having sex the same way every time can make even sex boring! Experiment imaginatively before, during, and after sex. You can get in plenty of stretches and a decent cardio work- out as well, not to mention get all of those pleasurable endorphins flowing. If you can’t dream up any new ways to turn on, tantalize, or titillate your partner, try reading the Kama Sutra or visit your local bookstore or Amazon.com for books that can provide some insight. Bring the heat back into your relationship with some imaginative sex.