We typically see goal-setting as something we do at the start of a new year. We set goals as ‘resolutions’ and hope to achieve them as the year goes by, focusing on the outcome and often not on the journey. These goals are often quite big too (eg. I am going to lose 30 pounds…
Author: heyhappiness
Giving, rather than receiving creates happiness!
“For it is in giving that we receive” — Saint Francis of Assisi Yes, it is true. Not taking away the joy of receiving in any way. It is wonderful too, but research has shown that giving, more that receiving makes us feel happy. Let’s take a closer look at the why: Sonja Lyubomirsky, one of…
Caring for others can improve your mood
Care is connecting. Care is giving value, appreciation or love. Studies show a boost in our oxytocin secretion when we are able to give care to others. As you know by now, a boost of oxytocin related to a happier mood state. So, let’s dive into how you can become a care bear and reap…
Turn that frown upside down and laugh out loud!
When you are feeling down, when you find it hard to feel motivated to start your day, or when the little things in life feel overwhelmingly big, just pause for a moment. This space you created just now, in this very moment is an opportunity to take a detour to lighten your load OR to…
Improve your mood by redefining happiness
‘Just look on the bright side’ ‘Put on your big girl pants’ ‘It’s not that bad, someone else has it much worse’ Many of us grow up with messages that sound similar to those above. Positivity isn’t inherently a bad thing, but toxic positivity can be detrimental to our mental health. If we are taught…
How to cultivate happy thoughts to improve your mood
Here’s a challenge for you: See if you can notice when your thoughts spiral into a string of negative thoughts. It might take some practice at first. The more mindful you become, the easier it becomes to notice your negative thoughts once they arrive. Once you’ve noticed it, challenge yourself to reframe those thoughts! Why?…
Does the blaming game steal your joy and happiness?
Are you someone who (too) easily takes the blame for things happening around you when in fact they are not always because of you? Do you often carry the weight of mistakes and failures of others on your shoulders and make it personal? If you identify yourself in the questions above, you might be engaging…
How a dose of optimism can improve your mood
Let’s face it- we have not had the easiest 2.5 years and just as we get through the Covid-19 pandemic (knock on wood!) we are faced with other crises impacting us all over the world! It is relatively easy to only focus on what is going wrong: How our world leaders are letting us down,…
What does Omega-3 do for your mood?
A diet filled with too many unhealthy, processed foods makes it hard for our bodies and our minds to function properly. It is no secret that what we eat has in impact not only on our physical body but also on our cognitive functioning. The body of knowledge around nutrition and what to eat feels…
Overcome overgeneralisation to improve your mood and view on life
Our thoughts have an important influence over our wellbeing. There is an intricate link between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. “”Some thoughts can feel easy to unpack and explore, while others feel complicated, confusing, and contradictory.” – Nikole Seele It is important to understand, that as people, we are hardwired for survival. This means anticipating…