5 Ways to Increase Happiness by Doing Less

How often do you find yourself working past midnight or skipping lunch so you can get everything done? Too often, right? At the end of the day, you may feel satisfied that your work was done, but did it help increase your happiness? You may be surprised to learn that cutting back on busy work and doing less can help improve your sense of well-being, making you happier overall. Here are five ways to increase happiness by doing less.

1) Meditate

Research shows that mindfulness meditation is an effective way to increase happiness. This short form of meditation involves sitting still and focusing on your breathing for 5-10 minutes at a time. We’re told that it’s important not to have any specific goal in mind when meditating (e.g., stress relief) but instead think about nothing but your breathing and what it feels like in your body. While one session won’t magically reduce stress, research has shown that those who practice mindfulness experience lower levels of depression and anxiety and increased happiness overall. In other words, it helps give you a greater sense of well-being because it teaches you how to focus on what matters most: yourself and your health.

2) Do One Thing at a Time

If you’re anything like me, you have a hard time focusing on one thing at a time. I have about 10 different browser tabs open at all times and it drives my wife crazy. But here’s what will drive her even crazier: While everyone has a busy day now and then if you find yourself living in a scattered state of mind more often than not, it can be pretty unhealthy. Studies show that people who focus on one thing at a time—and take consistent breaks to relax—are happier and less stressed than those who multitask. So next time you get stuck on something, try doing just that—sticking with it until completion—and let your brain rest before picking up another project or task.

3) Spend Time Outside

Being outside helps us make a distinction between what is real and what is fake. It gives us perspective, which can help reduce stress levels and improve our health. Stress relief can be as simple as going for a walk in your local park or walking around your neighbourhood. The great thing about spending time outside, though, is that it provides a nice break from everyday life, helping you forget all of your worries. There’s nothing like being in nature to help you achieve complete relaxation!

4) Go on Nature Walks

Waking up to sunshine and taking a nature walk has been proven over and over again as a good way to increase happiness. Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, makes us more empathetic and humanizes us in ways that could improve our lives on a variety of levels. The connection between health and the environment is clear: Patients who have access to nature have reduced depression scores, children with ADHD symptoms are calmer when exposed to green space, and gardeners experience less pain from arthritis. And even something as simple as looking at pictures of natural scenes can help ease your mental load.

5) Get in the Zone

Scheduling in downtime is an important part of well-being. By slowing down, you help boost your mental health and allow yourself to become more present in life's activities. Some studies have shown that people with better well-being report increased feelings of happiness and peace. If we're happier, our world becomes a better place for everyone! We're stronger and healthier, our relationships are more pleasant, and we contribute positively to society as a whole. So embrace your zone of being—slow down when necessary—and increase your happiness level along with it!

"Health Products"