Top 10 things to make you happy - Mahira Qadeer

“These are 10 things that make me happy and am sure they will make you happy too…”

A good dose of gratitude: Being consciously aware of what you’re thankful for can actually change your level of happiness. When you wake up each morning, spend time recalling all the things for which you feel grateful. Start with simple things like, do you have a roof over your head and enough to eat?

Give back: Do you give a small percentage of your income to your favourite charity? There’s something about giving that allows you to receive more in return besides just the awesome act of giving to help others. When you give, you’re sending a message to the universe that you know everything’s going to be all right.

Laugh every day (it’s better than money): Do you spend time each day laughing? Do you purposefully find something to laugh about? When you laugh, you release a happy hormone called oxytocin. It’s a hormone that uplifts us as we share experiences with others. Even just making yourself smile will put you in a better place.

Foster good relationships with family and friends: Happy people don’t spend a large amount of time alone. By spending time with people you like, you forge supportive relationships that help you in times of stress. You also bond with others through common experiences, such as life’s ups and downs. They become your support network.

Take some alone time: In contrast to spending time with family and friends, it’s important to step back and take some time for yourself, by yourself. You can recharge your spirit and find some peace in a little bit of silence. Taking some time away and being alone can do wonders for your mood and outlook.

Do what you love: Have you ever heard the phrase, “do what you love, because the money will follow?” Doing things that you love to do and even better, getting paid for it are good ways to boost your levels of happiness. When work feels like play, you’re more likely to enjoy other aspects of your life better, too.

Volunteer: When you give some of yourself, either by time or talent, your focus shifts from your life to that of others. This can help you realise that your own problems may not be that bad. You invariably forge new relationships and experience a lift in your spirit.

Get enough exercise: When you take time out for exercise, you’re doing your body good in more ways than one. First, you’re doing what it was designed to do; physical exertion. Humans were made to move around and the body works best when it does what it was meant to do. Second, as you exercise, you release those same feel-good hormones as mentioned earlier. Third, when you take some time to exert yourself, you reduce your stress levels.

Avoid regrets: We all make mistakes in life and that’s part of the human condition. But with a little forethought, you can try to avoid making big mistakes. Even then, they still happen. That’s when it’s best to learn to forgive - yourself and others because everyone is just trying to get through life the best they can, too. They’ll make mistakes, but the trick is, moving on from them.

Get enough rest: Ever notice how cranky you are in the afternoon when you’ve only had five or six hours of sleep? Many of us are suffering from sleep deprivation, which can lead to higher levels of stress and edginess. After a good night’s sleep, you can tackle your daily tasks in a calmer, more alert way. It’s so much better than experiencing that awful sluggish feeling in that oh-so-important meeting with your boss. Your body will thank you, too.

Mahira Qadeer is a fashion-infotainment journalist, publicist, television personality, blogger and social media influencer. Visit Instagram: @mahiraqk & Facebook: @myra.qadeer