Simple Self Improvement

                                                                 Image: MorningbirdPhoto from Pixabay Today's happiness tip is read poetry. At first you might think this tip couldn't make you happy because poetry isn't your thing. However, there are all sorts of poetry ranging from long poems with a carefully thought out rhyming scheme to short poems of a few words with no rhyme. Some are hilarious, for example limericks. Others are thought provoking or beautiful. There should be something to appeal to just about everyone. Why would a poem make you happy? Poetry can be a great way to express lovely thoughts which will put you in a positive mood. It can also make you think about the world in a different way, distracting you from daily stress and problems. Funny poems make you laugh. Laughing generally makes you feel happy. Writing poetry can also make you happy Some people are daunted by the thought of writing a poem. However - a p

                                                                             Image:Gerd Altmann from Pixabay As I write this it's March 20th which is the International Day of Happiness. As my tip for today I thought it appropriate to direct readers to the site where they can find out more. https://www.dayofhappiness.net/#new

                                                                                                      Image: Marie Vonow Pet lovers know their pets make them happy. It isn't only furry animals such as cats and dogs that can increase happiness but also birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Studies have discovered a session as short as five minutes interacting with a pet you love can increase your production of endorphins and dopamine and therefore your level of happiness. Watching fish in an aquarium in a waiting room can also be beneficial. You may not actually feel happy as you sit in a dentist waiting room gazing at a bunch of tropical fish but your level of anxiety is likely to drop. The birds that visit your garden are not pets but studies have found they often contribute to a person's happiness. Even if you are not able to keep a pet you can benefit from watching wild birds and you do not have the responsibility of caring for them. Ow

Title added to image created by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay You have probably previously heard the advice, Don't compare yourself to others. Sometimes this is difficult advice to follow but if you can actually do it you will be happier. Comparing yourself to others can make you feel miserable and inadequate or it might make you feel smug, depending on whom you are comparing yourself with. Conversely, accepting yourself as you are and valuing your achievements can make you feel happier. Feeling gratitude for your family and friends will make you happier. Looking around at the things you do have and appreciating them rather than longing for what you don't, well it makes sense that will increase your happiness. We are all individuals and comparing our achievements with those of others is pointless. There will always be someone who has gained a higher educational qualification, has more money, is more attractive and so on. As well there will be someone who has no

I enjoyed a day exploring the Coorong on this boat         Image:Marie Vonow Doing something different or trying something new can boost your happiness. Routines have their place and there's nothing wrong with regularly doing the same thing. Going to the same supermarket where you know which aisle products are kept in can mean you get your shopping done faster. Dropping in at your regular cafe means you know the coffee/tea will be enjoyable. However, a change can be good for you. Some articles I have read on this topic focus on doing something different that is 'big'. That could be an extreme sport or travelling to a remote destination. Other information points out doing anything that is different for you will bring benefits including a boost in happiness. Doing something different could be - travelling to work by a different mode of transport learning a new skill listening to a different type of music reading a genre you usually

                                                      Image:Free-Photos from Pixabay Wikipedia says a hobby is 'an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.' Cambridge Dictionary gives the definition of pleasure as 'enjoyment, happiness , or satisfaction or something that gives this.' Today's happiness tip is to spend time enjoying a hobby. Do you enjoy spending time on a hobby? You have probably noticed having a hobby can make you happier. Involvement in a hobby can also make you healthier. Research has shown a hobby can reduce stress, lower heart rate and make a person happier not just while they are actively involved with the hobby but hours later. A hobby also gives one something to look forward to. When a person is very involved with paid work, a career, bringing up children or caring for a family member who is frail aged or has a disability they may feel they don’t have time for a hobby. Years ago I found myself

                                                                       Title added to image created by Mohamed Hassan The happiness tip for today is, help other people. As well as increasing your level of happiness, helping others is good for your health, and builds stronger communities. When you help others your brain produces endorphins, those 'happy hormones'. Endorphins can reduce pain, lower blood pressure and increase self esteem. The euphoric state resulting from helping others is sometimes referred to as 'Helper's High.' There are many ways to help others including - volunteering helping a friend providing support to a neighbour sharing surplus veggies or seedlings from your garden giving someone a bunch of flowers from your garden bringing in your neighbours' bins cooking a meal for someone when they are sick or going through a tough time helping out at your children's school or sport's cl