Despite the happiness ogres, we underestimate the importance of being cheerful. It seems to have gone out of style as fashion seems to favor a more sullen look on life. “Look at the state of the world,” some of you may say. “There is little to be cheerful about”. But as Charlotte Brontë wrote, cheerfulness is as much a state of mind as it is related to our environment. If you look at cheerfulness, there are more upsides than just feeling good about things. You’re healthier, live longer, and your optimism and attitude of thankfulness with generally cast a brighter light on those around you.
To improve your cheerfulness factor:
1. Exercise – Even adding a brisk 40 minute walk to your schedule three times a week could see the corners of your mouth turn up.
2. Get into nature – Go to the great outdoors, city parks or waterfronts. Getting amongst nature helps you to relax, improves mood and can even spark creativity.
3. Sing – Singing releases endorphins, alleviates feelings of depression and loneliness, helps you sleep better, improves your health.
4. Dance – It’s the movement that makes you happy, it also helps to improve your self-esteem.
5. Laugh – Laughing improves your mood. You can do it with a good show, or even just practice Laughter Yoga.
6. Get older – Yes. The older you get, the more inclined we are to see the good things we already have in life. And there’s no stopping that one!
I’m big on 1, 2, 5 and 6. I’m tone deaf and my dancing days were left on the rugby field.
