Being healthy and happy in life is something which we all strive for, but which many of us find hard to achieve. In the modern world, it is very easy to become alienated and stuck in a cycle of depression and poor health.
Thankfully, there are many things which we can do to increase our happiness and health. Some of these things are difficult and require long term commitment, but other are simple and can be easily integrated into your everyday lifestyle. The following 11 things will help you feel happier and healthier in 2017.
- Be yourself:
Don’t try and conform to society’s expectations by being someone who you aren’t. Be yourself in 2017 without worrying about what anyone thinks of you. This will allow you to achieve a healthy state of mind, which in itself can lead to happiness and physical health.
- Get in the habit of completing regular exercise:
Body weight exercises are a very good way to stay healthy and to keep your mental state positive. One of the best bodyweight exercises is squats. They are simple, can be done almost anywhere, and can be done by pretty much anyone. The Ad of squats include a lower body fat percentage, stronger legs and core muscles, and increased blood flow to the brain – which is essential in maintaining a happy state.
- Draw on your strengths:
Rather than trying to do things which you aren’t good at or ignoring your strengths, focus on building yourself up. If you enjoy something then do it! It doesn’t matter what it is, if you are good at it, or if other people see it as pointless: as long as you enjoy it you will be happier and healthier as a result!
- Distance yourself from negative people:
There are various factors which contribute to a negative mindset and an inability to be happy. One of the most deadly of these is fake friends. These are the people who never seem to have anything good to say, who are constantly negative, and who can’t seem to support the things you enjoy. Distance yourself from these people in 2017 to feel happier and healthier.
- Eat well:
According to many people, food is the secret to happiness. Actually, there is some truth in this. The food you eat has a direct impact on your mental health. Eating healthy foods which are full of nutrients can release chemicals in your brain which develop positive thinking and happiness. Eating well is extremely important to your physical health as well, for obvious reasons.
- Be inspired to try something new in 2017:
Take up a new hobby, do something which you have always dreamed of, or build on something you have done in years past. Having something which you enjoy to look forward to regularly is essential in building health and developing happiness.
- Meditate:
Meditation allows you to get in touch with your inner self and helps you let go of negative experiences. Dedicating a little bit of time every day to meditating will help you be comfortable with yourself and will allow you to cultivate a positive mental state. This will help you become happier and mentally healthier in 2017.
- Encourage positive thoughts:
Positive thinking is one of the best ways to remove things which are dragging you down. If you try hard to be optimistic about everything then you will all of a sudden find that things are starting to go right for you. This means that you will feel happier with the way your life is turning out, and will probably become healthier in the process!
- Try and make new friends:
Having the right people around you is an essential part of leading a happy and fulfilled life. We have already touched on removing negative people from your daily life, but you also need to get out there and try and meet new people who can impact you in a positive way every single day. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a new sporting or social club which involves something that you enjoy doing.
- Make music a part of your life:
Music has incredible abilities. If you are feeling depressed or a bit down in the dumps then music can turn your life around. Listen to positive, upbeat music which focuses on the good things in life. Reggae is a good example of the right kind of music, but there are many other genres out there which can help you cultivate a positive mindset and a high level of physical health.
- Stop drinking fizzy drinks!
Although this may seem like something which is a little out of place on this list, soda consumption is actually closely linked to depression and poor health. Removing soda from your diet and replacing it with a healthier alternative is a great way to feel happier and better about your body in 2017.