6 Simple Habits to be Happy

There's a lot of people out there who would like to be happier, but they're not even sure where to start.

Making small changes in your habits can make a big difference in the long term. Here are some changes you can make.

1. Surround yourself in nature.
   We live in cities and forget that we come from nature, but it's always simple enough to return. Studies have shown that even having plants in your home can make you happier, starting by improving your air quality and moderating humidity.

2. Cold showers
   Showers below 14°C can boost your dopamine by more than 250%. It's something that's hard to do at first, but once you make it a habit, you will crave it. Just imagine you're diving into a cool spring in a rainforest.

3. Exercise
   If you're not exercising at all, the smallest amount can make a big difference. Doing ten push ups or sit ups in the morning, going for a hike or bike ride also pumps dopamine, and it affirms that you care about yourself, that you want to be healthy.

4. Seated meditation
   Meditation has so many health benefits, it's hard to even list them. Again, a small amount can make a big difference. 5, 10 or 30 minutes can give you a chance to distance yourself from the thoughts that bother you - learning to use your mind instead of letting it use you.

5. Mindfulness meditation
   Wonder why people who are more in contact with their bodies are happier? It's not because they're stupid. Being aware of the present moment is a gift that's always available to us, discovering the peace that is already within. My recommendation is to listen to the audio version of Eckhart Tolle's "Practicing the Power of Now" to learn the techniques.

6. Sunshine
   It's not quite right to spend your time cooped up in a box all day. 10 minutes of midday sun can increase dopamine and seratonin levels, among other health benefits.

If we're going to live life, we might as well do it right, and we might as well have a good time. Happiness is available to you; it is a skill and it can be learned.

Please, be happy!