Happiness Hacks
This month we thought we’d send you a few happiness hacks. Now, as chiropractors, we know all too well that pain can get in the way of joy (luckily, we also know how to help our clients through chiropractic treatments.) We also know that your emotional state impacts your body; that tension and stress can worsen chronic pain, and that feeling blah makes it that much harder to consider your spine’s alignment as you go about your day. So, we’ve done a little bit of research into ways to feel happier. We hope you enjoy them.
- Exercise (Come on – just for ten minutes)
Sorry for being so predictable. You already know we think that healthful movement is good for the body and the mind. So, let’s focus instead on motivation. If you’re feeling a bit blah or are in pain, then hitting the gym might be the last thing you feel like doing. So – set a timer and move (in whatever fun, silly, or gentle way you want for ten minutes. At the end of ten minutes, you might find that you feel a bit better and can continue for another ten and so on, or maybe you’ll want to stop. That’s OK. But that little bit of movement will have helped your body and your brain. Note: These sort of “dancing like nobody’s watching” sessions shouldn’t replace your regular structured exercise programs. They should be fun.
- Meditate
Again – just give yourself ten minutes. Many people put too much pressure on meditation and deem themselves “bad at it” on the first couple of tries. Meditation is the act of calming the mind, and should be practiced as much as necessary to assist in relaxation and stress-management. Try this, sit or lie in a comfortable position and make a playlist of 4 calming songs you enjoy. Now close your eyes, listen to the playlist in full and focus only on your breathing as you count a five second inhale, and a five second exhale. If you find your mind wandering, don’t scold yourself – just bring your mind back to your breath. Simple as that!
- Connect with nature
Take your shoes off and feel the grass, sand or dirt under your toes. Lie on the ground and look at the clouds. Stare at the horizon. All of this is good for your proprioception, your vision and your mental health. You might not feel like you have time, but a few moments of purposeful daydreaming, connected to nature (think green spaces) can lift your spirits and help you become more efficient.
- Look through old photographs
A quick flick through an old photo album can boost your happiness according to an old study (2013) published in the Personal and Social Psychology Bulletin. Now here’s the big question, physical or digital?
- Laugh
They say that laughter is the best medicine. And one thing is for sure, it certainly can’t hurt. Take your mind off your woes for a bit and watch some comedy sketch shows. Laugh hard enough and you’ll even get a bonus abdominal workout!
- Do something arty or crafty
Remember when you were little, and you could happily spend all afternoon just colouring or drawing? Why not give yourself a little bit of time to get lost in a creative process? It’s important that you have a go without expecting a masterpiece. This helps to take stress and anxiety off the table, allowing you to enjoy the creation process in full.
- Create a list of happiness ideas
When we’re down in the dumps it can be hard to think clearly. So it’s good to have a list of ideas that we can access easily when we need them. We hope the ideas on this list provide a good jumping off point. But you know yourself and what helps you reset your mood better than anyone else. We know that some people feel better after a change of outfit, a baking session, a home manicure, or a workout with their punching bag. Create a file/box/jar of ideas for yourself to visit when you’re feeling a little blah.
We hope you find these ideas helpful. If you’re suffering more than the occasional bad day and suspect you’re suffering from depression, we encourage you to seek help from a mental health professional. You are not alone and do not need to go through it alone. In the meantime, our team at Back 4 Life Wellness Centre are here to help you with any physical pain you’re experiencing. Contact us today to book your appointment.