Are you tired of just moving through life without really enjoying it?  Too many of us have gotten into habits and routines that just keep us rolling along and not really slowing down to experience what it’s all about.  Unfortunately, this kind of behavior affects our general happiness and leads to depression and stress.  Is this happening to you?

If you are ready to make a change in life and you are ready to be happier, there are 5 things to implement in your life that can make you happier:

1. Get more sleep.  When you don’t sleep enough, you are more susceptible to stress and illness.  Aim to get at least 7 hours per night, more if possible.  I always try to get to bed early so that I am not changing my morning routine.
2. Take a break.  Seriously.  The world is not going to fall apart if you take a vacation or a day off.  You need a break sometime or you will become way too overworked and overwhelmed.
3. Spend time with family.  Family and friends are an important part of life.  You need to take the time to spend with them though.  I know you are busy and you probably have yourself convinced that you will spend time with them “sometime soon”, but oftentimes “sometime soon” never comes.  Spend time with them now.
4. Drink more water.  Do you know that being hydrated can cause headaches, tension and heightened stress?  It’s vital that you drink enough water.  It may seem like a strange way to be happier, but it can actually help.
5. Exercise.  Regardless of how much you may hate exercise, it has proven to help lower stress and boost endorphins.  That sweat induced glow really does help pick up your mood.

Have you found anything that has helped boost your mood and overall sense of happiness?  We would love to hear all about it!