Happiness is something that everyone strives for, but it can sometimes feel elusive. We realise we need to, ‘be happy for this moment this moment is your life’, but it can be difficult at times of stress. However, when seeking to understand how to e happy, there are steps you can take to increase your overall happiness and find fulfilment in your life. This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to be happy and create more joy in your life. So if you feel like you need to move from zero to zest, this will help you get there.
I have also included my special zero-to-zest happiness tea, which I used to help me through post-traumatic stress as a result of a major stroke at the age of 38. It really is my happy mom drink, with turmeric, chilli, saffron, lemon and heaps of health benefits, but more on that and why it works below.
How To Be Happy: Your Mood Boosting Guide
There’s truth in the saying that success may not lead to happiness but experiencing happiness is key to achieving success. Science even asked the question, ‘Does happiness lead to success?’, and the evidence they collected, suggested it did. So it stands to reason that if we care about our future then we need to work on getting happier. But that’s ok if you’re feeling ok but what happens if happiness eludes you… does that automatically lead to failure?
Well, we don’t want to hang around to find out, so we thought we’d share our list of go-to happiness makers.
Understand the Importance of Mindset
One of the key factors in achieving happiness is having the right mindset. Your mindset refers to your attitudes, beliefs, and thoughts about yourself and the world around you. It shapes how you perceive and interpret events, and ultimately determines your overall outlook on life. Developing a positive and optimistic mindset can greatly enhance your happiness and well-being. It involves cultivating gratitude, practising self-compassion, and reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones. By understanding the importance of mindset and actively working on cultivating a positive one, you can significantly increase your overall happiness and fulfilment.
Practice Gratitude Daily
One of the most effective ways to cultivate a positive mindset and increase your happiness is by practising gratitude daily. Gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life, both big and small. It shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have and helps you recognize the positive aspects of your life.
To practice gratitude, set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. You can write them down in a gratitude journal, share them with a loved one, or simply think about them in your mind. It can be anything from a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, or a personal achievement.
By regularly practising gratitude, you train your brain to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, which in turn increases your overall happiness and well-being. It also helps shift your perspective and allows you to focus on the present moment, rather than constantly striving for more. So start incorporating gratitude into your daily routine and watch as your happiness levels soar.
Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is a key component of happiness. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can greatly enhance your overall well-being. Take the time to nurture your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Show them that you care, listen to their concerns, and be there for them when they need support. Engage in activities together that bring you joy and create lasting memories. Remember, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to relationships. When understanding how to e happy, focus on cultivating deep and meaningful connections with a few individuals rather than spreading yourself too thin. By investing in your relationships, you will not only experience greater happiness but also have a strong support system during challenging times.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health is essential for overall happiness. Engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are all important factors in maintaining good physical health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones that can boost your mood and increase feelings of happiness. Eating nutritious foods provides your body with the necessary nutrients to function properly and can also improve your mental well-being. Additionally, getting enough sleep allows your body to rest and recharge, leading to increased energy levels and a more positive outlook on life. By prioritizing your physical health, you are taking an important step towards achieving lasting happiness.
Find and Pursue Your Passions
One of the key ingredients to happiness is finding and pursuing your passions. Take the time to explore different activities and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfilment. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, writing, or gardening, find something that ignites your passion and makes you feel alive. Once you’ve identified your passions, make it a priority to incorporate them into your daily life. Set aside dedicated time to engage in these activities and make them a regular part of your routine. Pursuing your passions not only brings you happiness in the present moment, but it also gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment in the long term. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone – you never know what passions you may discover along the way.
How to e happy with my ‘Happy Belly Tea’
I have shared my golden tea recipe with you on my YouTube channel, which I consider to be my happy mom drink. For me, there’s nothing better when I’m feeling in need of a boost of happiness. The ingredients are proven by research to help boost mood and alleviate the blues while being side-effect free. You must always follow advice from your health care providers and this tea can make a fantastic addition to your mood-boosting plans.
It’s simple really. Serotonin makes you happy and that is mainly produced in the gut before it becomes a chemical signal for the brain to be happy and content. So if your belly isn’t happy then your body and mind won’t be too. But it goes even further than that and I explain the individual elements and their uses in how to e happy. The ingredients for my zero-to-zest happy belly tea are simple:
Saffron
Using no more than 10 strands a day, saffron, also known as Crocus Sativus, has been shown in clinical studies to help us alleviate the symptoms of mild to moderate depression while being side-effect free. This is a groundbreaking study that suggests doctors could consider prescribing this plant-based food to patients in certain circumstances. Saffron may have a positive impact on the blues due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. You can read more about this study here: Saffron for depression
Fresh turmeric
The main chemical found in turmeric is called Curcumin. It has been found to possess the same benefits as saffron as well as having a protective action on nearly all of the disorders in the body. It is a proven superfood and one you may benefit from if you are able to use it every day. The most important thing is to use turmeric in its whole form, and if possible fresh. This means you are absorbing all the trace elements of the plant which work symbiotically. You can read more about the study here: Curcumin for Depression
Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger and its bioactive components have been applauded for its anti-inflammatory properties for the body and brain for generations. It has also been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, meaning it could provide benefits for anxiety, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. It could also help treat nausea and motion sickness, fight infections and decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). You can read more about the study here: Health benefits of ginger
Chilli
When you eat or drink chilli spice the body defends itself against the heat by releasing endorphins – the body’s natural painkiller response. Endorphins are also a stress-busting relief hormone and help with anxiety and depression. The hotter the chilli the more the rush of endorphins and the better you will feel. But how hot you go is obviously a personal choice as there is a fine line between pleasure and pain! Read more on the study here: The benefits of firey and spicy hot food
And Finally
The finishing touches are really important so don’t miss these as they help make the drink extra delicious and extra effective. Finish off the happy belly tea by adding a bit of honey or stevia, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (for vitamin C), a sprinkle of black pepper and coconut oil to aid absorption and hot (but not boiling) water.
Now relax and enjoy my happy belly tea any time you need to boost your mood and go from zero to zest!
