Your psychiatrist probably won’t tell you this, but there are many things you can do to be happier – and not just as a patient of his or her, but in life in general. Here are 9 things your psychiatrist won’t tell you, because they might come across as too pushy or simple, or maybe he or she doesn’t even know them! But don’t worry, they’re quite helpful and easy to remember, so even if your doctor doesn’t suggest them, you can give them a try – and see how you feel!
1) Meditate
It’s not easy, but it can be done. Dr. Sanjeet Diwan, psychiatrist in Bhopal, recommends meditation for all his patients suffering from stress or anxiety disorders. It can change your brain in such a way that you have more control over your emotions, he says. It also helps with self-awareness—the most important ingredient to being happy!
2) Take Proven Supplements
There are several supplements—such as SAM-e, St. John’s Wort, and S-adenosyl methionine (or SAM)—that research has shown can help boost mood and bring back a natural sense of happiness. But these aren’t things your psychiatrist will prescribe because they haven’t been FDA approved. There are many other natural remedies that work just as well to put you in a good mood; it just takes some research on your part to find them.
3) Read Books
Studies have shown that reading for as little as 15 minutes a day can improve your mood and increase your levels of happiness. If you don’t have time to read, try audiobooks, which will allow you to listen while multitasking or doing something else. You could also sign up for one of Audible’s free 30-day trials, which allows you to read any book they offer with your 30 days.
4) Change Your Diet
A lot of people turn to a psychiatrist in Bhopal when they’re feeling anxious or depressed. But your diet may also be affecting your mood, and you could try changing it for a quick boost in your happiness levels. Eating more fruits and vegetables makes you happier than junk food, so if you’re having trouble on that front (or even if you’re not), consider making some changes in what you eat over a few weeks’ time.
5) Try Yoga
If you haven’t tried yoga yet, it’s worth a shot. Yoga and other meditative practices have been shown to improve brain function and mental health, making it easier to find happiness. Best of all, there are plenty of classes available in almost every town, so you can take advantage of them without committing a lot of time or money.
6) Improve Sleep Quality
Chances are you don’t get enough sleep, which can lead to a myriad of physical and mental health problems. Sleep helps cleanse your body of toxins and keeps your immune system in check; lack of sleep can actually make you more susceptible to illness. If you need help falling asleep or staying asleep, consider making some lifestyle changes such as switching up your evening routine or eating less before bedtime.
7) Exercise Daily
Exercise has been shown to release a flood of mood-enhancing chemicals and help with stress, two things that are essential in feeling happier. For optimal results, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. In addition to working out, try adding small exercises throughout your day such as taking stairs instead of elevators or parking further away so you have to walk a little farther.
8) Get Enough Sunlight
Sunlight is crucial for our mental health because it delivers vitamin D, which keeps you happy and motivated by regulating serotonin in your brain. It’s so important that some experts call it the sunshine vitamin. If you live in a place where there are few sunny days throughout the year, ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels; if they aren’t high enough, consider taking a supplement or spending more time outside.
9) Seek Professional Help
If you think you have a mental health problem, it’s a good idea to visit your primary care physician for a proper diagnosis. If you are suffering from severe depression or anxiety, it’s also a good idea to seek professional help from your doctor. Don’t ignore emotional and mental health concerns, especially if they are significantly affecting how you function in your daily life—and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Final Thoughts:
We all need to be happier. By following these 9 steps, you can re-invent yourself into a happier person. Re-create your thinking, re-create your energy levels, and start living life again! We know it seems hard, but nothing worthwhile is easy. If we learn to be happy for no reason, in particular, it’s that much easier to feel happy when something wonderful does happen. Take a deep breath and start feeling happier today!
