Strengthen your immune system. Nobody feels happy when they’re sick! Even doing something
as simple as taking a multivitamin with vitamins C, E, and A, selenium, and
beta Carotene might help to boost your immunity.
- Having a strong immune system allows you to respond better to stress or physical illness. Other strategies such as regular exercise, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet are also important for boosting immunity.
Do Exercise. Exercising affects the release of endorphins, which
transmit messages to the brain, translating into positive feelings. Regular
exercise not only combats depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, but
also strengthens your immune system. Even walking for exercise can increase
your antibody and T-killer cell response.
Sleep well. Sleep is strongly linked to a person’s health, stress
levels, weight and quality of life. Moreover, while you sleep, your body
produces cells that fight infection, inflammation, and stress, which means that
getting too little sleep makes you more prone to getting sick and
increases the time you need to recover from illness.
- Exercising is one of the absolute best ways to sleep better at night.
Play in the dirt. Scientists are finding that friendly bacteria in the soil
actually trigger the brain to produce serotonin (much like how antidepressants
work). If you have a garden, get out there and dig. If you don’t, consider
starting one – if not for flowers, for vegetables and herbs that you can use in
making healthy recipes. Even designing a container garden can create a spot of
sunshine in your life.
- Obviously, not-so-friendly bacteria are also in your garden. Wear gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have cats or neighboring cats use your garden as a toilet. And wash your hands well after playing in dirt!
Eat healthy. It’s a no-brainer that eating well (fresh, unprocessed,
real foods) has a huge variety of health benefits. In addition, taking the time
to cook fresh foods for yourself gives you an emotional boost: it smells good,
it looks good, it tastes good, and, when you become proficient at cooking, it
can even provide a fun, creative break from your routine. In addition to being
a form of self-pampering, cooking is also good for your wallet. If you’re new
to it, start with a few fast, foolproof recipes that won’t turn you off cooking
forever. The less processed foods in your diet, the healthier you'll be, which
in turn will ensure a good deal more happiness for you.
