The next time you’re feeling a little blue, listen to the saddest song you can lay your hands on. Or better yet, find someone to fight with. Confused? Rhea Dhanbhoora tells you what surprising things can lift your mood
The human brain works in mysterious ways and nothing is a better example of that than the surprising things it resorts to in order to get its daily dose of dopamine — its happy pill. Actor John Barrymore once famously quipped, “Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open,” and he couldn’t have been more right. The feel good drug for the brain can show up in the most surprising situations and we’ve found 12 of them that you’d never have anticipated. Read on to find out what will turn that frown upside down.
TEAR JERKER
Sometimes, having a good cry can actually do you a world of good. And surprisingly, so can watching a sad movie. Research conducted by the Ohio State University found that what may seem like a bad idea when you’re upset, can actually save you from feeling worse about your own life. The study found that sad movies, which usually deal with loss and heartbreak, remind you of your loved ones and make you feel more grateful for what you have. It may sound terrible, but the next time you’re depressed, watch movie characters who have it worse than you to feel better!
SEEING RED
If you like your steak rare and crave a juicy chunk of red meat to make you feel better, you’ll love what a recent study by Deakin University in Australia found. Apparently, those who ate less than the recommended amount of red meat were less happy than those who did! Be careful though, as red meat can pose several health risks.
BE A BUSY BEE
You might think we’ve really lost it now. When we first found out about this, we thought it was a bit silly too. After all, how can being caught up at work be better than a lazy day at the beach?! Turns out, there is something that can make you happier than lounging around all day and it’s exactly what you spend all week looking forward to escaping. Studies show that the busier your brain is, the happier you are in the long run. Busy brains have more dopamine, which as you know by now, is a feel good hormone. So, productive people equals happy people.
AT LOGGERHEADS
When your partner tries to start a fight, do you cleverly manoeuvre right past it? You’re in the clear and... happy? Not really. Fighting can actually be as good for you as a steamy night in the sack — we really aren’t pulling your leg. A certain amount of aggressive behaviour also releases dopamine. Of course, too much of any good thing is bad and too many arguments can have a negative effect. So, indulge in a little friendly fire once in a while to keep your happy hormones active. Just remember to not go overboard.
THIS IS THE END
Sounds sinister, doesn’t it? The thing is, humans are funny creatures. The more we think about the end, the happier we get. Don’t worry, you haven’t accidentally stumbled upon a synopsis of a T.V. show such as Dead Like Me or fallen into a twisted vortex of sadistic ideas — there’s actually quite a sensible explanation. While people may not be able to come to terms with the death of a loved one, thinking about mortality can actually make you more pleasant for the simple reason that you’re reminded that nothing lasts forever. So, you make the most of what you have at the moment; which is a pretty neat way to live.
SUCH A CHORE!
Men who think doing household chores is a drag should pay attention here. The University of Cambridge did a study and found that men are actually happiest when they contribute equally toward housework! While men benefitted more, doing chores of any sort actually makes you feel more positive, gives you a feeling of achievement and in turn, makes you a lot happier than leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
ACT IT OUT
The catchphrase ‘Fake it till you make it’ may have a plethora of negative connotations, but we’ve got a good one for you. If you’re down in the dumps, all you have to do is pretend to be you’re happy. Act as if you feel good and with time, your brain will be tricked into believing that you do. Who knew the human brain was so gullible?
PRIME TIME
Your joints are creakier, your skin crinklier and your crow’s feet more apparent. But, whoever said age was just a number really hit the nail on the head. A study in both Britain as well as the US found that although your health could be beginning to fail you, your spirits keep soaring after you hit your 50s. You’ll hit a little bump occasionally, but don’t worry too much about that mid-life crisis, as happiness is just over the hill.
THURSDAY’S CHILD
Most people have better days on Thursdays than they do any other time of the week. Monday is full of the blues, Tuesday you’re still trying to get used to the loss of your weekend and Wednesday is neither here, nor there. With Thursday, you’re close enough to make weekend plans, so a happy feeling begins to set in. It sounds ridiculous, but the London School of Economics tested it out and guess what — it’s true!
DO UNTO OTHERS
Don’t you feel good when you crack a joke and someone is laughing with you? Apply the same concept to everything in your life and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Doing charity work, helping someone out or even making someone smile can make you feel like a good person. And feeling like a good person will, in turn, make you feel much happier than those who do things only for themselves.
WALK THE WALK
The next time you feel a tear trickling down, walk it off. Walking releases endorphins, which are like happy pills for your body. Walk briskly, or you won’t feel the effect. So, it’s literally like racing towards happiness.
LAZY LEFTIES
Remember when your mum shouted at you and your siblings for fighting over which side of the bed to sleep on? Did she scream, “It doesn’t even matter, it’s the same!”? Now you can tell her that she was wrong. A survey conducted in 2011 (the Happily Health survey) found that people who sleep on the left side of the bed are more positive and happier. So, practise your fighting skills by making your partner scoot over to the other side!
DID YOU KNOW?
- Happier people earn more and have better careers, because they’re more creative, optimistic about the future and can see things clearer.
- Happiness can actually be a scent. You smell different when you’re happy, stressed or even frightened. Obviously, being happy smells
the best!
- Women are the unhappiest in their late thirties, while men are unhappiest in their early 40s. Everything gets better after that.
- If you hug and cuddle your children a lot when they’re young, they grow up to be much happier as adults.
JOYFUL TUNES
She Moves In Her Own Way by The Kooks: Nothing will get you moving faster than this tune. This quirky song is perfect for those with a unique musical taste.
Bubbly by Colbie Cailat: Life is so chaotic that it’s getting you down? Listen to this soothing, heartwarming track.
Hey Ya by Outkast: Get ready to dance to this track by Outkast. It’s great to perk up your mood.
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles: In the mood for something retro? Look on the brighter side with this uplifting song by the heartthrob band of the 60s.
Soak up The Sun by Sheryl Crow: Looking for something a little more pop? Try this cheery, dance-along track.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin: Do we really need to explain this one?!
Ho Hey by The Lumineers: Everyone’s singing along to this song and we can’t help but join in! Hot off the charts, this one is a happy tune.
Crazy by Gnarls Barkley: We’re smiling already! Go a little crazy and bob your head along to this one.
It’s Getting Better (Man!!) by Oasis: Here’s a band telling you everything will be okay! Rock out to this optimistic song.
Nine In The Afternoon by Panic at the Disco: Are you feeling good? You know this band is, because they’re singing about it!
A DELIGHTFUL SLICE
- Get yourself some dark chocolate the minute you feel a little down in the dumps. The properties of chocolate improve blood flow to your brain, making you happier.
- If you’re not getting enough folate, you’ll feel more depressed. Asparagus is filled with folate, which will uplift your mood.
- All the protein and vitamins that are present in eggs can make you feel happier almost immediately.
- Get your daily dose of carbohydrates or you will start feeling crabby. Pick healthy carbohydrates though. Opt for foods such as oats or brown rice.
- Potassium and tryptophan also make you feel happier. Pick up a banana and you’ve got both rolled into one.