How to tell if you’re happy…

My sister and I

You Have A Sister ! 

“People with at least one female sibling report better social support, more optimism, and better coping abilities, according to a study presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference. Sisters appear to encourage communication and cohesion in families.

Love it ! This morning, my sister forwarded me this article ~ 9 Signs you’re happier than you think.  Now I know you can’t change whether or not you have a sister but several of the other “happy signs” are within your control. Here are a few;

You’re not glued to the TV

“The happiest people spend 30% less time parked in front of the tube, according to a University of Maryland study that analyzed 34 years of data from more than 45,000 Americans. They’re more likely to spend time socializing, reading, or attending religious services—habits that are linked to better moods and health.”

OK, I am guilty of this one sometimes, especially when the Real Housewives on.

You keep souvenirs on display

“People who use mementos or photos to remind themselves of good times better appreciate their lives and are happier, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. Good memories remind you of your “happiness potential” and promise that soon you can reach it again.”

This is a tip I follow, and of course some of my favorite memories are with my sister. Check out the photo : )

You make exercise a priority

“People who exercise more are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be satisfied with life, according to Danish researchers. Compared with sedentary people, joggers are 70% less likely to have high stress levels and life dissatisfaction, the study found. Couch potatoes who start moderate exercise—the equivalent of 17 to 34 minutes a day—experience the greatest happiness lift.”

Another one I’ve got covered, though like many of you, I always feel I could do more.

You hang out with happy people

“Socializing with a cheerful person in your neighborhood increases the likelihood that you’ll be happy too, according to a new study. How often you get together matters most, say the researchers: People who live within half a mile of a buoyant buddy increase their odds of being happy by 42%. If the friend lives farther away (within a 2-mile radius), the chances drop to 22%—probably due to fewer get-togethers.”

The older I get the more I make it a priority  to spend my time with people who give me joy. If you have any constantly unhappy people in your life, limit the amount of time you spend with them. Try it you’ll perk up !

You stay warm with hot cocoa

“Clutching a steaming beverage—coffee and tea also do the trick—can elicit a flood of positive feelings, according to a Yale University study. This may be because people associate physical warmth with emotional warmth, say the researchers. Study subjects held cups of either hot or iced coffee; those gripping warm mugs were more appreciative of friendliness in others and also felt more generous and trusting themselves.”

Yes I’m sure hot cocoa would be tasty but since tea can have so many health benefits, and a lot less sugar. I recommend the tea.

To read all 9 “happy signs” from yahoo  click here 

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