Archive for: Our Happiness Blog

Laughter yoga is not your typical yoga practice. Instead of complex poses and stretches, it revolves around hearty laughter and deep breathing exercises. Created by Dr. Madan Kataria in the 1990s, this unique form of yoga combines simulated laughter with yoga breathing (pranayama) to promote overall well-being.

There are a ton of physical and mental benefits to laughter. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This instantly reduces stress and promotes a sense of relaxation. Additionally, regular laughter strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells and antibodies, making you less susceptible to illness. Regarding the mental benefits, laughing floods the brain with serotonin, the happiness neurotransmitter. This helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

To start, find a local laughter yoga group or attend a virtual session if there aren’t any groups near you. Incorporating laughter yoga into your routine can be a powerful tool for maintaining a positive outlook and cultivating happiness. Remember, laughter truly is the best medicine, and the more you laugh, the happier and healthier you’ll become!

In a world that sometimes feels weighed down by stress and negativity, there’s a simple yet profound way to brighten someone’s day and elevate your own spirit simultaneously – random acts of kindness. These small, unanticipated gestures can have an enormous impact on both the giver and the receiver, making the world a better, happier place one act at a time.

When you perform a random act of kindness, you set off a chain reaction of positivity. Imagine buying a coffee for the person behind you in line or leaving an uplifting note on a colleague’s desk. That initial act of kindness can inspire the recipient to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of joy that spreads throughout the community. Kindness can give your life meaning. Knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s life can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. It reminds us that we are interconnected and that our actions matter.

There are also a ton of health benefits! The act of giving releases feel-good hormones in your brain, such as serotonin and oxytocin. These natural mood-boosters not only enhance your happiness but also reduce stress and anxiety. And, believe it or not, studies have shown that practicing kindness can have physical health benefits. Acts of kindness can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system, all of which contribute to overall well-being.

Cultivating happiness is a journey, and random acts of kindness are like stepping stones along the way. As you incorporate these gestures into your daily life, you’ll find that the more you give, the more joy you receive in return. So, start today by doing something small: compliment someone’s outfit, send flowers to your friend, or donate some old clothing to charity. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel!

Your passions are your soul’s compass, pointing you toward what truly matters. Whether it’s painting, dancing, gardening, or cooking, these activities can offer you fulfillment and purpose. When you follow your heart, you tap into a wellspring of joy that feeds your soul.

It’s important to take a step back from life’s responsibilities and focus on things you find fun and fulfilling! Life can be stressful, but your passions can provide an escape, allowing you to unwind and recharge. They boost your confidence and energy as you become more skilled, positively impacting other aspects of your life. Engaging in your interests also fosters social connections. Whether you join clubs or online communities, you’re likely to meet like-minded individuals who can become lifelong friends. Exploring your interests also furthers your creativity, helping you solve problems and approach life with fresh perspectives. 

To begin, set aside dedicated time each week for activities you enjoy. Make a list of things you find enjoyable. Don’t think about it too much. Just word dump on the page. Go through the list and add, subtract, and edit things as you please. Experiment, try new things, and let your heart guide you! Remember, it’s never too late to explore your passions. Your happiness matters, and the journey of self-discovery never stops. So, follow your bliss and watch your life flourish with joy and fulfillment!

What is happiness? I mean, we talk about happiness all the time here, but when we take a step back and really ask ourselves what happiness is, this may pose a tricky question. In a recent study,  over 1,000 people were asked what happiness is to them. Not surprisingly, the results were scattered! There were some commonalities,, whereas “love” was identified as the highest association between happiness, however, descriptions ranged from “family” to “laughter” to “purpose in life” to “wealth,” and on! Essentially, from this study, we can conclude that happiness can be anything. It is in each person’s own individual mind what happiness is to them, which means your own happiness is unique! This is why we should never compare ourselves to others and their own moods because we, as individuals, all have different views and criterias about life and happiness that makes us, us! 

Are there scents that make us feel happier? It sounds silly, but there is research out there that points to the answer being yes! For example, flowers, and especially lavender or jasmine flowers, have been associated with feelings of calmness. This calmness has been attributed to help with insomnia and even depression. Another example is with peppermint. The scent of peppermint has been linked to the elevations of peoples’ moods and even stimulation of the mind and body due to the oil the leaf contains. Lastly, fresh-cut grass is another scent that has been researched on. The chemical released by newly cut grass has been associated with feelings of relaxation and, for some, joy! Even though this a silly, or maybe even weird, way to gather happiness in our lives, try to enjoy nature’s scents and capture the beauty in the air we may take for granted. It may even give a nice boost of happiness to our day!

Today we reflect on the tragic occurrence that happened on September 11, 2001. Through loved ones lost, individuals from everywhere scarred, and a sense of worry and fear being hung around ominously, this was a dark time that had impacted millions of people across the United States. Although it is important to reflect on this tragic day as a way to remember the pain and sorrow we all faced, let us also look through a lighter lens and examine all the volunteers that worked to rebuild the community, the millions of people that banded together as one, and the amount of love and support everyone gave to get past this tragic and horrific time. If we reflect in this way, we can realize just how strong we really are, and more importantly, just how strong we are as a community. Although we may not realize it as we go through a dark time, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that you are strong and have loved ones supporting you every day which ultimately builds a stronger community for us to grow and feel secure in. Reflect on this tragic day as we should reflect on our lives: don’t let the darkness completely dim down the light that is always trying to poke through.  

When we think of the word “contagious,” we may think of negative things such as the Flu, common colds, or other viruses and bugs that could possibly harm us. Studies have shown, however, that there are incidences where contagiousness is not necessarily a bad thing. Through research conducted by Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego, they found that happiness can be spread through social networks. Specifically, they found that if an individual is happy, their friend’s happiness could increase by 25%. Furthermore, they found that this happiness can be spread to friends of friends as well, making a more positive social network. When reading this study, I particularly gathered two big meanings from it. The first one is to surround yourself with happiness. If happiness is contagious, make sure to be around those that bring your mood up instead of inversely bring it down. Reflect on family and friends that you interact with that make you happy and appreciate the time you have with them that contributes to your overall mood. The second one is that you have the ability to brighten someone’s day. Contagiousness can go both ways, meaning that you too can boost someone’s mood. Allow yourself to recognize the emotions of your friends and family, and continue to give them support and kindness so that happiness can be spread throughout.

If you love dancing your heart out to catchy music, you should definitely check out The Fitness Marshall! Caleb Marshall has been making upbeat dance workout videos (that are really more like a dance party than exercise!) for years. We know dancing releases endorphins (the happy hormones!) and helps people get their bodies moving. And along with the physical and mental benefits, Caleb’s peppy, fun, energy-filled attitude makes the dances so enjoyable! He and two other fellow dancers walk you through each step and mirror the movements. The channel has light, moderate, and heavy sweat playlists to match your dance goals. He also has 30 and 60-minute “sweat sessions” for those who want a longer workout routine rather than a fun 5-minute groove! Whether you want to dance for 5 or 50 minutes, this channel has a routine for everyone! Ready to dance to the beat? Check out this easy, low-impact cardio workout to the song “Love Shack” by the B-52’s! Want something heavier? Try this workout to Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”! Remember, happiness and fitness are a journey, and dancing with The Fitness Marshall makes that journey a joyful ride!

Life can feel really chaotic and stressful at times. You might feel like you are always running around, doing work, and do not have time to breathe. If you need a way to decompress and become present, try yoga! Along with its physical benefits, yoga is a holistic journey that nurtures both body and soul, leaving lasting happiness. 

1. Harmony: Yoga is a great way to connect your mind and body through purposeful breathing, mindfulness, and movement. This reduces stress and anxiety while boosting relaxation and mood. 
2. Happy Hormones: Doing yoga releases endorphins, which boost your mood.
3. Being Present: Mindfulness in yoga is super important! Doing yoga can help you center yourself and become more present. Savor the moment.
4. Gratitude: Yoga encourages gratitude towards your body and mind’s abilities to keep you healthy and grounded.  
5. Self-care: Yoga is a total act of self-care! It is all about trusting and getting in tune with your mind and body. 

Incorporating yoga into your daily/weekly routine is a great way to center yourself physically and mentally. You do not have to become a yoga enthusiast to benefit significantly from the practice. It is about embracing the journey and progress. So, when you are feeling extra stressed, take a second, breathe, strike a yoga pose, and let your body unwind.