4 Stress-busting Tips to Level up your Happiness

If you are having a bad day, feel stressed out at work or at home or you’re stuck in traffic, stress can really put the kibosh on happiness. Not only does stress reduce your joie de vivre, it’s also bad for your health. Get your groove back with these four easy stress-busting steps.

Take a deep breath: This may seem obvious, but we tend to take shorter breaths when tense or stressed which leaves less oxygen for our bodies and brains. When you feel yourself getting tense, take a few deep breaths before proceeding. Even better; take a few deep breaths outside. Movement and fresh air do wonders.

Check the quality of air in your office. Poor indoor air quality can cause sick-building syndrome and can leave you feeling lethargic, with allergy symptoms, headaches and respiratory ailments. Improve indoor air quality by adding plants to your office space, using non-chemical cleaning products and checking your AC filters.

Get a move on: Walk, play a sport or do yoga. If you have trouble finding the time for exercise, simply take a walk around your office every hour, on the hour. Stretching will help to improve circulation. Moving regularly will also relieve sore necks and reduce repetitive stress injuries caused by hours in front of the computer. Looking up from your computer helps to exercise eyes and reduces myopia.

Nurture nature: Get outdoors throughout the year. Take a walk in the park, go hiking on the weekends or ride a bike to work. Getting outdoors a couple of times a week will help to keep you active, improve your mood and reduce stress.

A chuckle a day…: Laugh loud and laugh often. Laughter is one of the best ways to reduce your stress levels, release endorphins and boost your immune system. Seek out friends and family members who have a great sense of humour, read books or watch movies that are sure to induce a giggle. The internet is rife with video sites and funny materials that can help you to put a smile on your face.

Make a conscious effort to do all of these things every day. You will be amazed at how much it affects your happiness. When you are happy, the small things no longer bother you and you will be healthier and happier than ever before.