Actually, the brain perceives another person smiling as a reward. Therefore, when you smile at someone, it makes their brain happier. It also helps to laugh at other people’s jokes. However, only smile when it seems appropriate. For instance, if someone makes a serious announcement, that’s a time to skip the smile. Also, don’t let your smile linger on for too long. If you do, people may think you’re faking it. Try to smile genuinely. When you don’t feel it, it can be harder to create a genuine smile. Make a conscious effort to give a full smile, as an uncommitted half-smile may not convince people. One way to help you smile more genuinely is to think of something that does make you happy, such as your kids or your kitten. [2] X Research source
For starters, neuropeptides are released, which help fight off stress. Also, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are also released. These neurotransmitters also help you calm down and be happier.
One way to respond convincingly is to pretend you’re an actor or actress. Take on the part of the person you’re playing. How would a happy person respond to a question like “How are you?”? They’d respond with a peppy answer and a smile. Keep it short. Most of the time, people don’t really want to know how you’re doing. A short “I’m doing great!” is all that’s really needed in polite conversation.
One way to look and feel more confident is to stand up straight. If you’re slouching down, you’re not exuding confidence. Also, look people in the eye. Always looking down or away is a sign of insecurity. When speaking, talk in a tone loud enough to hear. Enunciate your words, speaking distinctly. Don’t be afraid to crack a joke. Confident people often use humor to lighten up the mood.
Use your words. One way to show enthusiasm is to say how excited you are about something. For instance, say a new project comes up at work, and your boss wants people to volunteer. You could say, “I’d love to work on that project. It sounds fascinating. “[8] X Research source Also, it almost goes without saying, but try not to actively criticize whatever you’re trying to be enthusiastic about. Saying “That’s so dumb” does not exude enthusiasm. It’s also about your tone of voice. You don’t want to make your tone too peppy, as that can come off as sarcastic, but you do need some peppiness in your voice to show your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is a kind of vulnerability. That is, holding yourself back or pretending you don’t like something is a way of protecting yourself. When you say you like something, you’re stating an opinion that others can judge. Also, being generous with your praise to other people can make them happier, which makes them feel happier when they see you. They’ll project some of that happiness on to you.
Exercise can also help you sleep better, which you may have trouble doing when you’re not as happy. In addition, it can increase your self-esteem, making you happier overall. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Try different exercises to find ones you like. If you don’t like soccer, try dancing. If tennis isn’t your thing, take up swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of exercise. Some people suggest getting in 20 minutes of exercise every morning to jump-start your day.
Try to actively thank the people in your life for what they do and who they are. Don’t just think it–tell them. Another way to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal, where you write down things you are thankful for every day.
Don’t think you need lots of money to maintain curiosity. You can do it in your own city. Try a new cuisine you’ve never had before, or take a class in something you’ve always been interested in. Explore parts of the city you’ve never seen or go to a cultural event. Always be looking for something new to pique your interest.
One way to start seeing yourself more positively is to make a list of all your strengths and the things you admire about yourself. Think about compliments you’ve received or ask a friend to help if you can’t get started. Try to stop negative thinking. When you start thinking negatively about yourself, try to turn it into something positive or at least something realistic. For instance, if you think, “I hate my body,” turn it into, “I don’t always like the way my body looks, but I appreciate all the things my body does for me, like letting me hug my children, cook good food, and enjoy the sunshine. "
Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Get the required 8 hours of sleep a night by making sure you go to bed on time and giving yourself an hour of downtime before you should be asleep. Don’t forget to eat healthily. Stick with low-fat proteins, such as chicken and fish, and focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with some low-fat dairy on the side.
If you’re not sure what hobby you might like, try exploring different hobbies by checking out books at the library. Once you figure out a hobby you want to try, look at community classes. Check with your local parks and recreation department or community college.
Other signs of depression are often feeling guilty or worthless or not having as much pleasure or interest in hobbies and activities. You may also feel more tired or have trouble focusing. Your memory can suffer, and you may be more indecisive. You might also have trouble sleeping, or your weight could go up and down. Thinking about suicide or harming yourself is another symptom. Depression can come on at certain times in your life, such as after pregnancy. Other people experience depression just during the winter when there’s less light, called seasonal affective disorder.
If you have a friend who’s been in therapy before, consider asking them for a recommendation for a counselor. It can help you narrow down the search. If you’re worried about affording counseling, look at sliding scale clinics in your area, which bases your payment on what you make.
One common type of antidepressant is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. Common medications in this category are sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil). The plus side to these antidepressants is they generally have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. Another category is serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In this category, you have venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), among others. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a norephedrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). The good side of this medication is it less likely to affect your sex life.
