5 Happiness Hacks, as Proven by Science
With the world’s uncertainties amidst quarantine, emotions are running the gamut of high and low. Thankfully, no matter what the future holds, we can hack our way happy. Indeed, these five scientifically-proven happiness hacks will put the joy back into your body and mind!
1. SMILE!
The simple act of smiling activates happy brain chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. It also releases neuropeptides, which are tiny molecules designed to fight stress. One study from the University of Kansas discovered that smiling itself can lower heart rates after stress.
All this happiness can happen even when you fake a smile, especially one that activates your eye muscles. As reported by Forbes, faking a big smile triggers a positive brain cycle that improves your mood and decreases stress. Fake it until you make it, and you’ll find yourself genuinely smiling in no time.
2. Journal Happy Thoughts
Spend a few minutes each day writing about what makes you happy. Before long, you’ll find even more joy and gratitude in your attitude. This is proven by science!
In one study, participants were asked to write for 20 minutes daily about an “intensely positive” experience. The control group was asked to write about emotionally neutral subjects. The group who wrote about their positive experiences experienced greater levels of happiness - as well as fewer doctor’s visits. Now that’s good medicine!
3. Shake It Off
We know that exercise releases dopamine and endorphins that make us feel great. However, even tiny amounts of exercise can make a big difference in your mood. A review of existing research of moods and exercise discovered that folks who worked out for even just 10 minutes each week were more cheerful. Any time, any place, any exercise you’d like - all of it will help you feel happier.
If you can exercise for at least 10 minutes each day, you’ll feel even perkier. In a study of those suffering from depression, the group who exercised had significantly lower risk of relapse than those on anti-depressants. Moving your body is great medicine!
4. Be Mindful
According to Dr. Hedy Kober, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Yale University, it is multi-tasking that makes us unhappy. This has been further validated by a large study of 15,000 people in an app created by Harvard researcher Matt Killingsworth. He asked, “what makes us happy?” and the results were astounding. Across all socio-economic categories in 80 countries, what makes us happy is: being mindful of the moment. What makes us most unhappy? A wandering mind.
Mindfulness literally rewires the brain, helping you to become more resilient against both anxiety and disease. Happiness is being in the moment and focused. Perhaps that’s why it’s called the present.
5. Enjoy CBD
CBD unlocks our happiness molecule, literally. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that comes from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means joy, happiness, pleasure, and delight. When anandamide starts to break down, our levels of joy break down too. What’s fascinating is that CBD prevents anandamide from breaking down, allowing us to keep our happiness up! You can read more about this fascinating discovery in our blog article: CBD and the Happy Gene.
Our Revive line is especially formulated for a mood of sunshine! Our full spectrum CBD is enhanced with peppy terpenes, essential oils, and B12, an essential vitamin for the synthesis of serotonin. Enjoy a session of happiness today!
