Real Talk 6th May 2015 by Victoria Stokes
#ProjectHappy: 3 Ways To Makeover Your Life Today
Reckon your life is in need of a re-boot? These three practices have been proven to boost your happiness and well-being.
Delete negativity
Constantly in the company of a Debbie downer? Studies say that can have serious repercussions for your mood. Get this, research says we automatically and unconsciously mimic other people’s emotions. That means if your co-worker is in a foul mood, you’ll likely be grumpy too. So, what’s the solution? Become aware of other people’s moods and how it’s affecting you, and read our advice for dealing with a Debbie downer here.
De-clutter
When scientists at Princeton University looked at people’s task performance in an organised versus messy environment, they found that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention. That results in decreased performance and increased stress.
Clutter doesn’t have to be physical either. It can be constant notifications on your phone or having too many tabs open on your browser. All will affect your ability to focus. Time to spring clean your desk and your desktop.
Eat better
It’s pretty simple; if you eat better you feel better. A diet high in sugar and fat has even been linked to poor mental health, putting you at an increased risk of depression. Dehydration too, can lead to fatigue, tension and anxiety.
The fix? It’s pretty obvs; guzzle water at regular intervals, ditch the fizzy drinks and aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Protein-rich foods and smart carbs like wholegrains, fruits and veggies in particular contain an amino acid called tryptophan which regulates serotonin in the brain, meaning you get get a mega happy hit from your food.