Things To Do Right Now: Spotlight On Health And Happiness

One of the most important things to do right now – something that should be at the top of your to-do list – is supporting your overall health and happiness.

It sounds great, of course, but how do you go about doing it? It turns out there are plenty of easy, fun ways. Here are a few suggestions.

Tips To Supporting Your Health And Happiness: Things To Do Right Now

Smile More Often

The simple act of smiling may be able to support a positive mood. A smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, releasing certain hormones including dopamine and serotonin. These hormones have been associated with feelings of happiness and healthy stress levels.¹

Look Your Best, Feel Your Best

A lot of looking and feeling your best comes from taking good care of yourself. So, practice proper hygiene, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, and get a good skincare regimen in place.

One of the most important aspects of a good skincare routine is the use of sunscreen.

One study found that people who wear sunscreen each day – no matter what time of the year or what the weather may be – have skin that looks nearly 25 percent younger compared to those who only wear it on hot, sunny days. ²

Lifestyle Habits For Physical Health: Sleep, Diet, Exercise, And More

Three of the most important aspects of physical health are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough exercise. Prioritizing your physical health can have a huge impact on your overall sense of wellbeing and mood. Let’s take a look at each.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. This not only pertains to your physical health, either. It also holds true for your mental health as well. A large portion of the way you feel during the day will depend on how you sleep at night.

A good night’s sleep helps to ensure the proper function of the brain and body. If you don’t get enough shut-eye, you might be at a higher risk of suffering a wide range of health problems. Getting enough sleep can also help you make better decisions, improve your mood, and sharpen your focus. ³

Diet

Certain foods can make you feel sluggish and tired. Eating a well-rounded healthy diet helps ensure that your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs to function properly and feel energized.

Making good food choices may also help you to maintain a healthy weight and lower the chances of experiencing serious health issues. ⁴

Exercise

Getting a bit of exercise each day is important – you already know that. But do you know why? Exercise is more than a way to look good physically. It can also help ensure you’ll avoid a lot of health issues down the road. It can help support your blood pressure, immune system, and much more. ⁵

The options are almost unlimited when it comes to exercise. Take a hike in the fresh air, or play a game of pickup basketball. It can even be as simple as walking to the beach to watch the sunset each night. Whatever you choose, talk to your doctor first to make sure you stay as safe as possible.

Mental Health: Find Your Purpose In Life

What does this mean? In a nutshell, it means to find something that stimulates goals and promotes healthy behavior. People who do this may live substantially happier, longer lives compared to those who don’t. ⁶

Finding a purpose doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or do something similarly drastic. You could do something as simple as volunteering at a local animal shelter in your area, or you could offer to deliver meals to the elderly. Find something that stirs your passion, and go for it.

Emotional Health: Spending Time With Friends, Visiting Local Attractions, And More

Spending time with friends is a great way to support your emotional and physical health. Research indicates that people with strong social relationships have a lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and other health issues. ⁷ Visit with some friends and take a walking tour downtown, or go on a trip you’ve always wanted. You’ll not only have a great time, but you might just support your health in the process.

You should also carve out some time just to have fun in general. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Go to your local natural history museum.
• Check out some live music at a fun venue in your city.
• Explore some new restaurants to experience some new food.
• Join a book club, or take in storytime at your local library with your kids or grandkids.
• Learn a new hobby.
• Make a bucket list of places you’d love to see – and then do it.

Becoming healthier and happier doesn’t have to be extremely time consuming or expensive. Just put some thought into it, and you’ll come up with an idea or two that suits you perfectly.

Sources
1- https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/smiling-can-trick-your-brain-happiness-boost-your-health-ncna822591
2- https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/1691733/sunscreen-prevention-skin-aging-randomized-trial
3- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency
4- https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/eat-healthy/importance-of-good-nutrition/index.html
5- https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/07/27/the-5-habits-that-really-define-longterm-health-according-to-science/#9e967cd42863
6- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2734064
7- https://www.pnas.org/content/113/3/578