How to cheer up yourself and stay happy
Do you want to get a portion of joy? Try going to the theater and watching a play. Or visit a museum. People those who attend more cultural events (or participate in them themselves) suffer less from depression and anxiety and demonstrate higher levels of happiness.
It is curious that the men who participated in the study got more pleasure from those cultural events where it was only necessary to contemplate the beautiful. For example, from museum or art exhibitions, plays, concerts. And women preferred events where they had to take an active part - meeting in clubs, singing, walking in the fresh air or dancing. You can check at the same time whether such a difference is confirmed in your case.
A lot has been written about the beneficial effect of the diary on mental balance.
That is, if you write about something mundane, such as going to the movies or meeting with a friend, and then re-read the record after a year or two, then you will remember what happened, feeling more joy and warmth than at the moment of the event. You can think of a diary as a way to "invest" some happiness in the future.
Chatting with casual acquaintances is, of course, not bad. But more meaningful conversations with those to whom we are dear are still more important.
The happiest people are those who more often communicate with relatives and friends on topics that seem important to them. Those who are socially active, but at the same time prefer casual conversations about nothing, are less satisfied with life. In general, call your grandmother at last.
It would seem that melancholic songs should not improve the mood, but, on the contrary, drive you into the abyss of depression.
It is very pleasant to spend money on something tangible. A pleasant experience brings us more positive emotions than anything at the same cost.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that people are more willing to spend money on objects than on experiences, because things are easier to evaluate, touch and examine. But those who nevertheless chose the experience, in the end, reported that the experienced emotions were more useful for them and more enjoyable than material benefits.
So, if you have a choice - to make repairs in the kitchen or fly to Rome - and you want to feel happiness, choose the latter. Of course, you will contemplate the renewed interior for many years, and you will see the Colosseum only once ... But who would argue that it is better than a freshly painted wall?
It sounds pretty trite, but to become happier yourself, you can try to please others.
Simply beautiful objects, while not particularly functional, reduce negative emotions by 29%, increasing the feeling of calmness and ease.
In general, surround yourself with beautiful things. They cheer up.
Oddly enough, carrots and tomatoes can make people as happy as chocolate, a well-known source of endorphins. Those who eat more fruits and vegetables experience more positive emotions. They also have increased levels of curiosity and engagement in their work and a boost in creativity.