{"id":1913725,"date":"2023-04-12T13:58:19","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T17:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/happiness-hacks-that-are-backed-up-by-science\/"},"modified":"2023-04-12T14:00:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T18:00:08","slug":"happiness-hacks-that-are-backed-up-by-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/happiness-hacks-that-are-backed-up-by-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Happiness Hacks That Are Backed Up by Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fhappiness-hacks-that-are-backed-up-by-science%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1913725&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"49\" height=\"48\" viewBox=\"10 1846 49 48\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M34.467 1893.367c13.071 0 23.667-10.596 23.667-23.667 0-13.071-10.596-23.667-23.667-23.667-13.071 0-23.667 10.596-23.667 23.667 0 13.071 10.596 23.667 23.667 23.667\" fill=\"#E8021D\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M23.808 1869.718h19.918M36.638 1862.247l7.78 7.78M36.765 1877.153l7.534-7.534\" stroke=\"#FFF\" fill=\"none\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg> \t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Feeling blue? You&#8217;re not alone. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/chronic-stress-cancer-death-risk-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">Stress and anxiety<\/a> can get the best of anyone, and we can probably all find plenty of reasons to worry on any given day. But that doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t feel better\u2014and the good news is, there are plenty of ways to <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/supplements-boost-your-mood-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">improve your mood<\/a>. We&#8217;ve collected 50 of the best happiness hacks around to help boost your mood.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re skeptical, listen up: The following tips are all backed by scientific research. One of them is bound to work for you! These expert-approved happiness hacks will have you smiling in no time. Read on to turn that frown upside down.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ THIS NEXT:\u00a0<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/bad-mood-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">5 Fast Ways to Get Out of a Funk, According to Experts<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"106096\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They say you can fake it until you make it, and the same theory works with happiness.<\/p>\n<p>A 2012 study published in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23012270\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Psychological Science<\/em><\/a> found that faking a smile when you&#8217;re feeling anxious can actually decrease your stress levels, making you more joyful.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"436398\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock \/ Sklo Studio<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s nearly impossible <em>not <\/em>to be happy around your cute, slobbery pup, right?<\/p>\n<p>In a 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5645535\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Frontiers in Psychology<\/em><\/a>, researchers found that simply being around your dog amps up your levels of oxytocin, one of the chemicals that makes you feel happy. So take your furry best friend for a walk, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/controversial-oscar-nominated-movies-2023-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">cuddle up for a movie<\/a>, or play fetch. It&#8217;ll lift <em>both <\/em>of your moods.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"304624\"><figcaption><span>iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Why wait around for someone else to bring you a bouquet of flowers when you can boost your own happiness levels by getting some yourself? <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G7KNmW9a75Y\" target=\"_blank\">Take a page from Miley<\/a> and buy yourself flowers.<\/p>\n<p>A notable 2005 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/147470490500300109\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Evolutionary Psychology<\/em><\/a> found that getting flowers can boost your mood for up to three days!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"460222\"><figcaption><span>Olha Povozniuk \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When it comes to your happiness, your old blue jeans might be making you feel\u2026 well, blue.<\/p>\n<p>A 2014 study from the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2012\/03\/120308062537.htm\" target=\"_blank\">University of Hertfordshire<\/a> in England found that women tend to wear jeans and baggy tops when they&#8217;re feeling sad. Happy clothes, on the other hand, are &#8220;well-cut, figure-enhancing, and made from bright and beautiful fabrics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"103393\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The next time you decide to stock up on candles, get plenty of the vanilla variety.<\/p>\n<p>A significant 2005 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/chemse\/article\/30\/suppl_1\/i248\/270387\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Chemical Senses<\/em><\/a> found that people who sniffed the scent were happier and more relaxed. So, feel free to put one in every room and light them up on the regular.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For more health news sent directly to your inbox, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/newsletters\/\" target=\"_blank\">sign up for our daily newsletter<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"374297\"><figcaption><span>fongbeerredhot \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Doing something good for others is an instant way to light up your life, especially if the cause you&#8217;re giving to affects someone close to you.<\/p>\n<p>A 2013 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/www.inderscience.com\/offer.php?id=55643\" target=\"_blank\"><em>International Journal of Happiness and Development<\/em><\/a> found that donors who give to a charity through a friend, relative, or social connection feel happier than those who donate anonymously.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"121621\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You don&#8217;t even have to be <em>really <\/em>generous. According to a 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/ncomms15964\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Nature Communications<\/em><\/a>, being even a tiny bit more generous than you already are can make you happier in life.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t need to become a self-sacrificing martyr to feel happier. Just being a little more generous will suffice,&#8221; study author <strong>Philippe Tobler<\/strong>, PhD, said in a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2017\/07\/170711112441.htm\" target=\"_blank\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"313718\"><figcaption><span><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/beautiful-mixed-race-woman-wearing-pajamas-1676998897\" target=\"blank\">Impact Photography \/ Shutterstock<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sometimes a little blast from the past is all it takes to up your happiness levels.<\/p>\n<p>A 2013 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0146167213499187\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin<\/em><\/a> found that nostalgia can boost optimism, so dig out your old home movies or photo albums and prepare to smile over all the memories.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"387712\"><figcaption><span><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/barre-fit-exercise-class-group-of-people-in-a-row-at-a-barre-workout-class-gm1325012669-410164641?phrase=BalletBarre\" target=\"blank\">iStock \/ Tempura<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Exercising keeps you healthy and helps you live a longer life, yes, but it has some serious mental benefits, too.<\/p>\n<p>A 2018 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007%2Fs10902-018-9976-0\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Happiness Studies<\/em><\/a> found that being physically active increases your odds of being happy, even if it&#8217;s just as little as <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/muscle-building-exercise-metabolism-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">10 minutes of physical activity<\/a> per week. So find a workout you love and stick with it to keep your mood up.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"206364\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Turns out, all those hilarious <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/cat-videos\/\" target=\"_blank\">cat videos<\/a> making their way around the internet are actually pretty beneficial.<\/p>\n<p>A 2014 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/24682001\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Advances in Mind-Body Medicine<\/em><\/a> found that those who watched a couple of humorous videos for 20 minutes had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva than those who sat calmly and did nothing for 20 minutes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"163277\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/effects-of-screen-time\/\" target=\"_blank\">too much screen time<\/a> isn&#8217;t good for your mental health, snapping some selfies for your friends on a regular basis can actually give your happiness a solid boost.<\/p>\n<p>A 2016 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/psywb.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s13612-016-0044-4\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Psychology of Well-Being<\/em><\/a> found that using technology in this way can actually help you beat the blues.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s nothing a little sunshine can&#8217;t fix, right? A 2015 study in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0169204615000286\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Landscape and Urban Planning<\/em><\/a> found that even less than an hour&#8217;s worth of <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/walking-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\">walking outside<\/a> can make you feel happier.<\/p>\n<p>And that&#8217;s not all: Researchers also saw other benefits to spending time in the great outdoors, like decreased anxiety and better memory.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"162835\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Looking for outdoor activities you can do by yourself? Consider reading in the park.<\/p>\n<p>A 2014 study in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/11\/3\/3453\" target=\"_blank\"><em>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health<\/em><\/a> found that grabbing a blanket and a good book and hanging out in the middle of all that green space will instantly make you feel happier. In fact, the more greenery you&#8217;re around, the better your mood will be.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"443759\"><figcaption><span><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/woman-sleeping-on-bed-at-home-gm838280820-136432477?phrase=sleepinginbed\" target=\"blank\">iStock \/ Wavebreakmedia<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When you&#8217;re an adult, you can stay up <em>way <\/em>past your bedtime and no one&#8217;s going to scold you for it. But maybe your parents were right about hitting the hay early.<\/p>\n<p>A 2,000-person survey by <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amerisleep.com\/blog\/counting-sheep-losing-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\">Amerisleep<\/a> looked at the link between sleep and happiness and found that the happiest people got just over seven hours of sleep a night, while those who logged\u00a0<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/what-happens-sleep-deprivation-less-than-6-hours-a-night\/\" target=\"_blank\">less than 6.8 hours<\/a> were the most miserable.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"178440\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Showing your parents some love instantly gives you a big dose of happy.<\/p>\n<p>In a 2010 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org\/content\/early\/2010\/05\/06\/rspb.2010.0567\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B<\/em><\/a>, researchers found that something as simple as hearing a parent&#8217;s voice can instantly make you feel comforted, giving you a happy feeling that will last long after you hang up the phone. So if yours are still around, give them a ring today.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Happiness doesn&#8217;t have to be complicated. In fact, a 2016 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.journals.uchicago.edu\/doi\/abs\/10.1086\/688287\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of the Association for Consumer Research<\/em><\/a> found that the simple pleasures in life give people the most joy.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it&#8217;s playing fetch with your dog or taking a nap in the backyard, find time to engage in a few small, positive pleasures every day.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"448258\"><figcaption><span>Africa Studio \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Buying something for yourself might feel good for a second, but the real way to get happy when it comes to spending your money is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/relaxation-gifts-stress-relief\/\" target=\"_blank\">buying something for someone else<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>At least, that&#8217;s what a 2013 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/pubs\/journals\/releases\/psp-104-4-635.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology<\/em><\/a> found. (You&#8217;ll also score some serious brownie points with your friends and loved ones.)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"33045\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While spending money on someone else can make you happy, just <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/free-acts-of-kindness\/\" target=\"_blank\">being kind<\/a> in general can help too.<\/p>\n<p>A 2018 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022103117303451\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Experimental Social Psychology<\/em><\/a> found that simply being nice to others can benefit your well-being, whether it&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/little-compliments\/\" target=\"_blank\">dishing out compliments<\/a>\u00a0or just listening to someone who needs to talk.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"101267\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One thing that&#8217;s sure to make you feel unhappy? Always striving to be someone else because you&#8217;re not satisfied with who you are.<\/p>\n<p>According to the findings from <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.actionforhappiness.org\/news\/self-acceptance-could-be-the-key-to-a-happier-life\" target=\"_blank\">Action for Happiness&#8217;<\/a> 2014 survey of 5,000 people&#8217;s &#8220;happiness habits,&#8221; <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/self-esteem\/\" target=\"_blank\">practicing self-acceptance<\/a> could make a big difference in your overall happiness. According to those who led the study, that means being kind to yourself, learning from your mistakes, and giving yourself some well-deserved praise. Unfortunately, the researchers also found that self-acceptance is the &#8220;happiness habit&#8221; people practice the least.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Who says you have to be under the age of 10 to enjoy playing with <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/diy-hacks\/\" target=\"_blank\">arts and crafts<\/a>? Research from 2016 published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/17439760.2016.1257049?scroll=top&#038;needAccess=true&#038;journalCode=rpos20\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Positive Psychology<\/em><\/a> found that doing something creative every day\u2014whether it&#8217;s painting, crafting, or writing\u2014will help you flourish in life, making you feel happier and more positive.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the one thing that makes everything better is dessert. So, if you&#8217;re feeling down and need a pick-me-up, head to the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>In the same 2016 study in the <em>Journal of<\/em> <em>Positive Psychology<\/em>, researchers found that doing a little cooking and baking made subjects feel less stressed, more enthusiastic, and happier overall. It&#8217;s proof that fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies really <em>are\u00a0<\/em>good for you.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"16946\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Everyone has been <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/meditate-1-minute-a-day-awe-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">hopping on the meditation bandwagon<\/a> lately, but it&#8217;s not just a trendy wellness practice. It has a whole handful of benefits, including the ability to boost your happiness.<\/p>\n<p>According to a 2014 study published in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/1809754\" target=\"_blank\"><em>JAMA<\/em><\/a>, the simple act of sitting, focusing on your breath, and letting the world around you fade away can decrease stress, anxiety, and depression\u2014making you feel more joyful.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"418239\"><figcaption><span><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/happy-senior-asian-woman-grey-haired-2041558283\" target=\"blank\">Yaroslav Astakhov \/ Shutterstock<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When it comes to keeping your spirits up, choose who you spend your virtual time with wisely. An oft-cited 2008 study from <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/dash.harvard.edu\/handle\/1\/3685822\" target=\"_blank\">Harvard Medical School<\/a> found that just one person&#8217;s happiness can create a chain reaction, making everyone around them happy. The researchers found that &#8220;a friend who lives within a mile and who becomes happy increases the probability that a person is happy by 25 percent.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"120063\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>According to a 2012 study from <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/files\/attachments\/2557\/howellpcheliniyer2012the-preference-experiences-over-possessions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">San Francisco State University<\/a>, true happiness comes from buying experiences\u2014not more stuff.<\/p>\n<p>So instead of spending your paycheck on a new watch, put that money aside for a future trip where you can make memories to last a lifetime. Having something to look forward to might also boost your mood.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"144263\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sometimes it&#8217;s hard to find true happiness until you resolve the problems preventing you from being happy in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>A 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/02678373.2017.1308445\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Work &#038; Stress<\/em><\/a> found that emotional exhaustion at work is one of those road blocks. No matter what&#8217;s been wearing you down, tackling things and getting to the bottom of the issue can totally change the way you feel.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"198836\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Who needs a spoonful of medicine when you can have a solid dose of gratitude?<\/p>\n<p>According to 2015 research out of <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu\/medicalcenter\/features\/2015-2016\/11\/20151125_gratitude.html\" target=\"_blank\">UC Davis Medical Center<\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/gratitude\/\" target=\"_blank\">practicing gratitude<\/a> can help you live a healthier, happier life\u2014reducing your risk of depression and anxiety and making you more likely to practice healthy behaviors, like exercising and eating wholesome foods.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"199458\"><figcaption><span>iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Who says you should ever stop learning new things once you&#8217;ve graduated from school? If there&#8217;s a special interest you&#8217;ve developed, take a class for it.<\/p>\n<p>A 2016 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/17533015.2016.1193550?journalCode=rahe20\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Arts &#038; Health<\/em><\/a> found that taking adult education classes can actually make you feel happier. And on top of that joy, you can also develop more self-confidence and form new relationships.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"460252\"><figcaption><span>fast-stock \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It doesn&#8217;t matter if it&#8217;s in the shower, the car, or the backyard\u2014just sing!<\/p>\n<p>A 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/mh.bmj.com\/content\/early\/2017\/11\/25\/medhum-2017-011195\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Medical Humanities<\/em><\/a> found that belting out some tunes on a regular basis can improve your mental health by decreasing depression and anxiety, making you feel happier overall.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need to instantly develop a green thumb, but attempting to bring some greenery into your life can do your happiness levels some good. A 2015 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4419447\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Physiological Anthropology<\/em><\/a> found that <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/easy-houseplants\/\" target=\"_blank\">having plants in your space<\/a> can be very soothing, helping ease any built-up stress and lifting your mood.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"363449\"><figcaption><span>insta_photos \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There&#8217;s absolutely no reason to focus on your regrets. As a 2011 study in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0191886911000961?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Personality and Individual Differences<\/em><\/a> revealed, those who are able to see the past through rose-colored glasses are much happier than those who focus on the negatives.<\/p>\n<p>This can be challenging sometimes, but if you can start seeing everything you&#8217;ve been through in a positive light, your life will brighten up because of it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"147128\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yoga has been around for centuries, and there&#8217;s a reason for that.<\/p>\n<p>A 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2017.00752\/full\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Frontiers in Psychology<\/em><\/a> found that it only takes two minutes of yoga to start feelings its positive, mood-boosting effects. Warrior pose, here you come!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"148750\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It doesn&#8217;t matter if you&#8217;re a 4-year-old toddler or a 40-year-old adult: Naps are great for the soul. And, as it turns out, they&#8217;re fantastic for your mental health, too.<\/p>\n<p>In a 2017 study from the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/news\/2017\/03\/30\/power-naps-make-happier-longer-snooze\/\" target=\"_blank\">University of Hertfordshire<\/a> in England, participants who napped for a short period of time\u2014under 30 minutes\u2014were much happier than those who took longer naps or didn&#8217;t nap at all. So <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/naps-lower-heart-attack-risk-news\/\" target=\"_blank\">get your snooze on<\/a>! You now have a science-backed excuse.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"101352\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You already know <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/coffee-health-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\">coffee wakes you up<\/a> in the morning\u2014and keeps you up throughout the day\u2014but did you know it also plays into your mood?<\/p>\n<p>A decade-long study published in 2011 in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/21949167\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Archives of Internal Medicine<\/em><\/a> found that coffee consumption can lower your risk of depression. Now you don&#8217;t have to feel bad going for that second cup!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"441960\"><figcaption><span>Prostock-studio \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Who knew a little splash in the tub could result in so much happiness? Through a 2018 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6011066\/#\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine<\/em><\/a>, researchers found that something as simple as taking a long bath can make you feel rejuvenated and amp up the amount of joy you feel.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s nothing in the research about bubbles and rubber duckies, but they&#8217;ve <em>gotta <\/em>be worth some extra happy points.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"181000\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One effortless way to feel instantly happier? Just grab a sun lamp. According to the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/are-sun-lamps-best-to-improve-your-winter-mood\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, sun lamps with bright, white light can fight off depression, giving you a mood boost whenever you need it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"116781\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you write down the things you&#8217;re thankful for, you can look at it anytime you&#8217;re feeling down\u2014and that&#8217;s where a gratitude journal comes in.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/ggia.berkeley.edu\/practice\/gratitude_journal\" target=\"_blank\">University of California, Berkeley&#8217;s Greater Good Science Center&#8217;s<\/a> guide to &#8220;science-based practices for a meaningful life,&#8221; all it takes is jotting down the things that make you feel grateful three time a week to up your happiness levels.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"221039\"><figcaption><span>iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Online friends may be great, but they can&#8217;t compare to in-real-life (or IRL) ones. At least, that&#8217;s what researchers found in a 2013 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0072754\" target=\"_blank\"><em>PLoS One<\/em><\/a>, which showed that when it comes to happiness, nothing beats meeting new people face to face.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"146237\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Going on a walk around the block is better than not getting outside at all, but going for a hike can take your happiness levels to new heights.<\/p>\n<p>A 2014 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/pdfplus\/10.1089\/eco.2014.0027\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Ecopsychology<\/em><\/a> found that trekking through nature caused participants&#8217; stress levels to dissipate, lowering their rates of depression and making them feel far happier.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"38917\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Not only is chocolate delicious, but a 2013 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0269881112473791?journalCode=jopa\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Journal of Psychopharmacology<\/em><\/a> found that it can also be a major mood-booster.<\/p>\n<p>Eating a tiny bit of chocolate every day can up your happiness levels, as long as what you&#8217;re snacking on is at least 70 percent cocoa or higher. Otherwise, you won&#8217;t reap any benefits (besides satisfying your sweet tooth, of course).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"398611\"><figcaption><span>iStock \/ Brothers91<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Have some vacation days you need to use or lose? Use them! Sure, a vacation is bound to make you happy, but even planning a trip can boost your mood. In fact, a 2010 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007%2Fs11482-009-9091-9\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Applied Research in Quality of Life<\/em><\/a> found that just anticipating a vacation left people beaming with joy for up to eight weeks. Do yourself a favor and start thinking ahead!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"411820\"><figcaption><span>Prostock-studio \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Watching your favorite TV show might make you happy, but binge-watch wisely: Too much screen time can get you down.<\/p>\n<p>According to a 2018 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Femo0000403\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Emotion<\/em><\/a>, those who spend more time playing video games, using social media, texting, and watching TV were less happy than those who spent more time doing activities that didn&#8217;t involve a screen. So go ahead and enjoy an episode or two of <em>The Office<\/em>, but then turn the TV off and pick up a non-screen hobby instead.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"388364\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sure, social media has its pros, but too much of it isn&#8217;t doing your happiness levels any good.<\/p>\n<p>A 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0747563216307543\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Computers in Human Behavior<\/em><\/a> found that the more platforms study subjects used, the higher their chances were of having depression and anxiety symptoms. While checking in on a couple platforms shouldn&#8217;t be too big of a problem, true happiness seems to come from staying off the Instagram grid as much as possible.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"159677\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you taste the rainbow, you&#8217;ll evidently <em>see<\/em> more rainbows. Research published in 2016 from Australia&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4940663\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\">University of Warwick<\/a> found that upping your fruit and veggie intake to eight portions a day can increase your level of life satisfaction and overall happiness. Basically, the more produce the 12,000 study subjects ate, the more joyful they felt.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Eating fruit and vegetables apparently boosts our happiness far more quickly than it improves human health,&#8221; said study author <strong>Andrew Oswald<\/strong>, PhD, in a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/warwick.ac.uk\/fac\/soc\/economics\/research\/centres\/cage\/news\/08-07-16-eating_more_fruit_and_vegetables_can_make_you_happier\/\" target=\"_blank\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"16748\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Adding more greens into your diet will help your mental health in addition to doing your body good.<\/p>\n<p>According to a major 2007 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1810582\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Journal of Psychiatry &#038; Neuroscience<\/em><\/a>, dark leafy greens like kale or spinach can help alleviate depression. That&#8217;s because they contain folate\u2014a vitamin that helps produce serotonin and dopamine\u2014which combats the effects of depression and improves your mood.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"51943\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Infrared saunas\u2014which heat your body from the inside out\u2014can help clear up your skin and get rid of any pain you may be experiencing.<\/p>\n<p>Another perk? A 2016 study published in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/27172277\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>JAMA Psychiatry<\/em><\/a> found that putting your body in those high temps can also work as an antidepressant, making you feel happy once you come out.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"176561\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It turns out that high-priced concert ticket is indeed worth it: A 2017 Australian study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0305735616659552?journalCode=poma\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Psychology of Music<\/em><\/a> found that engaging with music on a regular basis\u2014whether by dancing or by attending concerts\u2014is associated with being happier overall. You get to enjoy the show <em>and<\/em> your mood boost afterwards!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"221042\"><figcaption><span>iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After a long day working at home, it might sound relaxing to spend your evening not talking to anybody else. The problem is, social interaction is <em>really<\/em> good for your mental health.<\/p>\n<p>A 2014 study published in the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0146167214529799\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin<\/em><\/a> found that people experience greater happiness on the days they spend time with others compared to the days they&#8217;re only spending time by themselves.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"31259\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When you&#8217;re working toward a goal in life, it can make you feel like you have purpose\u2014and, as the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/how-to-be-happy\/art-20045714\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\">Mayo Clinic<\/a> notes, that&#8217;s one of the major ways people find happiness. Figure out what excites you, what you love doing, and how you want people to remember you to help find out what your own purpose is\u2014that&#8217;s when you&#8217;ll find true joy.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"62108\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Quitting your job and going off on your own can seem absolutely terrifying, but it has plenty of benefits for your well-being.<\/p>\n<p>A 2017 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"http:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/0950017017717684\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Work, Employment, and Society<\/em><\/a> found that out of all the different occupations out there, those who are self-employed are the happiest.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"164389\"><figcaption><span>Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sure, they call it the &#8220;pursuit of happiness,&#8221; but you might want to stop pursuing it quite <em>so<\/em> much and simply live in the moment instead.<\/p>\n<p>A 2018 study published in the journal <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.3758\/s13423-018-1436-7\" target=\"_blank\" data-citation=\"true\"><em>Psychonomic Bulletin &#038; Review<\/em><\/a> found that trying too hard to attain happiness often results in not being very happy at all\u2014usually because trying to be happy takes up all the time you could spend actually <em>being<\/em> happy. Instead, try to just focus on your good mood in the here and now.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Feeling blue? You&#8217;re not alone. Stress and anxiety can get the best of anyone, and we can probably all find plenty of reasons to worry on any given day. But that doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t feel better\u2014and the good news is, there are plenty of ways to improve your mood. We&#8217;ve collected 50 of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1913726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[547],"tags":[10910,9303,4613],"class_list":["post-1913725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-bongino-report","tag-hacks","tag-happiness","tag-science"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1913725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913725\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1913726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1913725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1913725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1913725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}