Southern Remedy

Do you ever come across people who are always upbeat and no matter what life throws at them, they just seem to roll with the punches? Well, it’s quite possible they’re following a formula for happiness. Join us today as we take a look at "Happiness Happens Month", a month dedicated to celebrating what makes you happy. We'll also discuss what "happiness" is and how to increase your own happiness and others around you.

10 Things That Can Help Make You Happier and Enjoy Life More

• Start with a Good Dose of Gratitude
• Being consciously aware of what you’re thankful for can actually change your level of happiness.
• Make Sure You’re Giving Back
• National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”
• Laugh Every Day 
• When you laugh, you release a happy hormone called Oxycontin. It’s a hormone that uplifts us as we share experiences with others. Even just making yourself smile will put you in a better place.
• Foster Good Relationships with Family and Friends
• By spending time with people you like, you forge supportive relationships that help you in times of stress.
• You also bond with others through common experiences, such as life’s ups and downs. They become your support network.
• People who don’t spend as much time with family or friends are more prone to loneliness and depression.
• Take Some Alone Time
• In contrast to spending time with family and friends, it’s important to step back and take some time for yourself, by yourself.
• You can recharge your spirit and find a little peace in a little bit of silence. Taking some time away and being alone can do wonders for your mood and outlook.
• Volunteer Your Time
• When you give of yourself, either by time or talent, your focus shifts from your life to that of others.
• This can help you realize that your own problems may not be that bad. You invariably forge new relationships and experience an uplift in your spirit.
• Get Enough Exercise
• Humans were made to move around and the body works best when it does what it was meant to do.
• When you take some time to exert yourself, you reduce your stress levels.
• Deal With Clutter
• When you’re not running around looking for items you can’t find, when everything has its place, you’ll automatically be less stressed and in a better mental state.
• Tackle a small task each day for a month in an effort to de-clutter your life.
• Avoid Regrets
• We all make mistakes in life–that’s part of the human condition. The key is to forgive yourself and others, learn from the mistakes and move on.
• Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
• “Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
• This is definitely easier said than done, but if you can condition your mind to focus on the good that you are doing and the good things in your life, you’re not going to be tempted to focus on how others are doing.