5 New Year Resolutions to Lead a Healthier and Happier Life

1. Smile More Often

A simple act of smiling can make you healthier and happier- even if your smile is a forced one. According to a study by American Psychology Association, there could be two reasons behind this effect. Smiling activates neurotransmitters, and our brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters help to reduce stress and evoke positive emotions.

While your brain controls your muscles, your muscles can influence your brain. When we smile, the brain senses the flexion of our facial muscles, concludes that we are happy, and starts to make us feel happier.

Another reason why you should smile more often is that it is contagious. One more study reveal that when people are exposed to emotional facial expressions, they unconsciously mimic them, positive or negative. The key takeaway is that the more you smile, the more inviting, relaxed, sincere, and attractive you appear to others. So, smile more often and stay happy!

2. Adapt a Health and Fitness Routine

The health benefits of regular physical exercise are widely known. However, in addition to reducing anxiety, and stress, fighting disease, and improving mood, sleep, and energy, sticking to a regular workout routine and eating healthier can also make you appear to be an influential and better leader. Healthy-looking people are perceived as better leaders.

3. Eat Mindfully

In this fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the habit of rushing through meals without considering what you are eating. However, this approach can negatively affect your physical and mental health.

When you eat mindfully, you are more aware of your body's signals of hunger and fullness, which can prevent overeating. By focusing on the eating experience, you can also develop a greater appreciation for the flavors and textures of food.

By taking the time to savor and appreciate your food, you can improve digestion, reduce overeating, and cultivate a healthier relationship with it.

4. Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill or picking up a new hobby can improve your brain health. Think of your brain as a muscle. To keep it functioning optimally, you need to exercise regularly, and learning a new skill like a musical instrument, sketching, driving, or cooking is a great way to do that.

When you learn a new skill, your brain creates new neural pathways in your brain. The more you practice it, the more you increase the speed and strength of those neural connections. This process is known as myelination, and it increases the white matter in your brain, which results in the efficient working of your brain.

In addition, learning can also improve your psychological well-being by boosting your confidence and tending to the natural human desire for growth.

So, whether it is learning a new language, taking a cooking class, dabbling in music, or mastering a dance form, do whatever appeals to you. If you are not up to new endeavors, you can take your current hobby to the next level. Ensure your chosen activity is challenging and exciting enough to keep you engaged. If it is easy enough, you might get bored. And, if it is too difficult, it might discourage you from pursuing it further.

5. Share a Cup of Kindness

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." – Martin Luther King, Jr.

We can only help some, but everyone can help someone. Giving back to others suffering in some way can make us happier and improve our emotional well-being and physical health. When you work for the cause, you believe in it.

For instance, if you do charity for the cause- protecting a child's rights, it improves their lives. However, it also positively impacts your physical and mental health. A charitable act can reduce blood pressure and bring down stress levels. Give back to society by donating to a cause you believe in!

Bring More Purpose to Your New Year Resolutions

From waking up early to taking some time out to read a new book, it is essential to know that when you prioritize yourself, everyone else benefits. These self-care habits might appear simple, but they can transform your life positively. So be patient, consistent, and kind to others and yourself. Making realistic goals and sticking to them throughout the year is the best way to keep yourself highly motivated and happy.