How to Be Happier This 2015

Amy Taylor December 09, 2014

Time flies by so fast. It’s hard to believe that we are about to say goodbye to 2014 and say hello to another year. You probably have a lot of great things to be thankful of this year, but like the rest, you also have gone through painful experiences.

Maybe as early as now you are already thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. And if one of them is to happier this 2015, we’ve got some very important tips for you.

To make sure you achieve the goals you set for 2015, you have to be specific. This list might be lengthy for a New Year’s resolution, but it’s going to make your year a whole year of happiness and health!

Get some exercise.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in mental health. Apart from helping you burn fats, exercise also stimulates your brain to produce feel-good chemicals that instantly boost your mood. You need not stick to traditional gym-based exercises. Find something that you love to do and then enjoy it!

Volunteer.

Next year, make it a promise to take part in community service works. Volunteering has been proven to promote mental health by nurturing the compassionate person in you. Find a charity or organisation you believe in and learn about the ways you can help or support them.

Spend more time in nature.

Make it a promise to spend more time in nature, than in digital environments. Instead of browsing the web during your free time, take a walk outside to breathe some fresh air and interact with nature. Studies suggest that experiences with nature help restore the mind from mental fatigue brought by work.

Be real.

Make 2015 the year to free yourself. Living in denial and pretentions is one easy way to wreck your mental health. If you are in toxic relationships right now, you have toxic habits, or you engage in unhealthy activities, it’s time that you get rid of those.

Quit being hard on yourself.

Perfectionism will bring you nowhere. Stop being so hard on yourself. Maybe your house isn’t as big or as beautiful as you want it to be. Maybe you haven’t found your dream job yet. Maybe you don’t have enough funds in the bank. Being hard on yourself only spurs bitterness and sadness. This 2014, try to be more cheery and grateful. And see how it can make your life way, way happier!

Prioritise sleep.

This coming year, make a promise to yourself that you won’t deprive yourself of sleep again. Lack of sleep creates a havoc in your mental health by disrupting essential cognitive functions. People who lack sleep are prone to experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms, along with poor memory.

Have fun!

You’ve been working very hard these past few years. You deserve extra time for fun and recreation this 2015. Don’t be too serious. Smile. Laugh. And have fun! When there’s a balance in your work and personal life, you can be happier and healthier.

Cheers to a happier 2015!