What do we do when life throws lemons at us? Do we throw them back or make lemonade? Do we add vodka? No. When life throws us lemons, the best thing to do is to refocus our attention on finding happiness again. That could seem hard to do, depending on the size of the rut you're in, but finding positivity in life is not as hard as you would think.
1. Eat some carbs (comfort food, duh)! I know carbs are considered to be the epitome of Satan in the weight-loss world, but did you know that your brain can't produce serotonin without carbs? Serotonin helps regulate sleep, mood and appetite. Some healthy carbohydrates to incorporate into your diet are: quinoa, whole wheats and oatmeal.
2. Exercise! Even if it is a 10 minute run around the block, that counts as something... right? When you exercise, you're realizing endorphins (it's responsible for us feeling happy). Endorphins are realized during sex too so sexercise is another great route you could take.
3. Listen to music if you feel like you're in a rut. Life throws curveballs sometimes and the best way to get through it is by listening to your favorite songs. Here are some of my go-to happy songs:
Sleepyhead- Passion Pit
The Thrill- Wiz Khalifa
All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
You Know You Like It (Dj Snake Remix) - AlunaGeorge
Make your own go-to happy playlist. Think of songs that take you to a particular time and place, songs that you can sing to, your guilty-pleasure (mine is Ooh Kill Em by Meek Mill, what's yours?).
4. Did you know that doing good for others is actually good for you? A five-year multi-institutional study proved that practicing altruism (being selfless/doing good for others) elongates life and also decreases stress. Why not volunteer at an animal shelter, do a favor for someone or give up your seat to someone on the bus? Even the smallest acts of kindness can lift your mood dramatically. You can read more about how being altruistic can improve your health and happiness here.
5. Take a vacation. A study found that men who skipped vacations for a few years were 30 times more likely to suffer from heart disease. Even just planning a vacation is said to lift our mood since it promotes a sense of happiness and anticipation.
6. Stop and smell the flowers! A study has shown that the smell of flowers promotes happiness. Flowers help to lessen anxiety and also lift one's mood. Research on the power of smell and what emotions specific smells trigger is still in the works but so far, it's been shown that the smell of baby powder can amplify your libido and that lavender promotes sleepiness. Who knew smell was so important?
7. Meditate! Studies have shown that if you meditate for just 10 minutes a day you are instantly promoting your health and well-being. Meditation is said to increase positivity, help with high blood pressure and decrease anxiety. Sri Chinmoy, an established spiritual leader recommends you meditate first thing in the morning to promote positivity and happiness throughout the rest of the day.
8. Hang with your friends! A study found that social relationships are strongly linked to mental health, morbidity and mortality. The study concluded that those with strong social relationships have "a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships." Mark up your calendar with plans. Why not kill two birds with one stone and go on a vacation with your friends? Now is the time to strategize.
9. Get rid of those negative thoughts. I know, easier said than done, but trust me, this one is important. Science has suggested that even a small inkling of a negative belief will affect one's longevity. Don't think of the glass being half full or half empty anymore. Adopt a new perspective on the concept of water in a glass, like this one I found on Tumblr:
10. Stop comparing yourself to others. Comparing ourselves to others is hard to do in today's society. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are social media platforms that are constantly being refreshed. We see that girl from high school with a new Ferrari, or a guy who just got a platinum Amex. Vincenzo Carrieri's research revealed "that other people's health status serves as the benchmark to assess one's own health condition."
So, now what are you going to do when life throws you lemons? (Refer to the list above.)
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