The New York Times – and the stellar science/health writer Tara Parker-Pope (@nytimeswell on Twitter) has pulled together and excellent guide on “How to Be Happy” – and just in time for summer!
Read the full guide HERE
Some of the research-supported tips include:
- Conquer Negative Thinking
- Controlled Breathing
- Rewriting Your Story
- Get Moving
- Practice Optimism
- Spending Time in Nature
- Declutter
- The 1-Minute Rule
- Improve Your Bedroom Life (Sleep, Sex, Relaxation)
- Spend Time With Happy People
- Pets Make You Happy
- Be OK Being Alone
- Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness (at least after $75k/yr)
- Find Purpose at Work
- Buying Time Promotes Happiness
- Be Generous (giving a gift makes us happier than getting a gift)
- Volunteer
- Practice Self-Compassion
These are all great tips that can work to boost happiness in different situations – but another very effective and cutting-edge science-based approach to improving “happiness” (mood, depression, anxiety, stress, energy, focus, etc) is microbiome modulation and optimization of the gut-brain-axis.
A range of recent human clinical studies have shown specific strains of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic fibers to significantly reduce indices of depression, anxiety, and stress – not to mention the overall mood benefits of research-proven herbs such as Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) and Rafuma (Apocynum venetum).