Good emotional and mental health can lead to good physical health as well as success in life.
A common belief is that success in life -- one's career and relationships -- leads to happiness. Research reveals that it is actually happy people whose proactive and resourceful approach to life helps them overcome the inevitable hurdles that we all encounter along the way. Also their positive outlook attracts others to them, which is a key factor in success at work and in personal life.
What can you do to be happy? Researchers such as Drs. Sonya Lyubormirsky and Ken Sheldon have found that the following behaviors increase happiness and positive mood overall:
- Expressing gratitude
- Reflecting on happy moments
- 10 minutes of physical exercise -- such as a brisk walk, or riding on a stationary bike
Also researchers at the University of Essex have found that "green activities" such as gardening, cycling, fishing, or boating boost mood. In fact, a mere 5 minutes of being outdoors in a green area -- park or garden, can boost mood as well as self-esteem.
Give yourself regular doses of happiness building. 5 - 10 minutes daily is a small investment with big payoffs in promoting and maintaing good mental health.
