5 Things You Should Avoid Doing if You Want to Be Happy

Change Your Habits for a Healthier, Happier Life

Every day we get a ton of information on health, fitness, and diet, but sometimes it’s a good idea to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Sometimes it’s important to ask yourself what the point of it all is…

I think you’ll agree with me that the point is actually pretty simple, we all want to be happier. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, start eating healthier, or just increase your energy, it all comes down to living a healthier and happier life.

Today we’re going to help you get a little closer to that point, and take a look at a few things you should absolutely avoid doing if you want to be happy. This is put together after reviewing a ton of cutting edge research on happiness so that we can get a practical insight into how to get it right.

5 Things You Should Stop Doing Today

Staying in the Gym

A gym is often the most convenient place to work out, because everything you need is within reach. But keeping all of your physical activity inside isn’t always the best idea. Getting outside at least once every week and enjoying nature is one of the easiest ways to boost your happiness and even your sense of well-being. Studies have shown that even indoor spaces with plants and natural elements are more likely to reduce your feelings of stress. So whether it’s going for a run, a walk, or a bike ride, try to spend more time outdoors.

Looking for a good little workout you can do outdoors? Try my No Equipment Cardio Workout. It offers a full-body approach to muscle toning and weight loss.

Watching Too Much TV

I’m going to be honest, this is hard one for me to avoid sometimes. But TV binging isn’t going to give your happiness a boost, especially if you’re doing it all the time. Physical activity and exercise (of any kind) are some of the best ways to stay happy, but sitting around all day will do just the opposite. One of the major reasons for this is the endorphins that are released during exercise and that have a direct impact on your mood. Plus, exercise helps you deal with stress better and it boosts your immune system.

A recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health actually showed a link between binge watching and health. Researchers found that the people who watched TV more often were also the more likely to battle obesity at some point in their lives and unfortunately one of the tragic results is having to deal with diseases like diabetes.  Here’s a rule: for every two hours you watch TV you should do at least 10-20 situps or jumping jacks. You can make this challenge whatever you want but just make one commitment.

Focusing on the Negative

This one has a lot more to do with what’s going on in your head, but it can be a serious happiness-killer. Negative thoughts have a way of making everything else worse. In fact, they’re one of the biggest reasons people do unhealthy things, from skipping the gym to binge eating fast food and just feeling down about life. So what can you do? Try to think one positive though each day, and focus in on gratitude and forgiveness. Research in the last few years has shown that thinking positive can go have a tremendous impact on your overall happiness level.

Doing It On Your Own

You can’t do everything on your own, and realizing this is a sure path to happiness. This doesn’t mean you have to be in a relationship to find happiness, but you do need to surround yourself with supportive people. And the research is pretty clear on this. Social support is one of the most important factors in your overall happiness and well-being. Those with more emotional support in their lives also seem to live longer, so it’s a factor in your health too.  Join a jogging club or a group that focuses in on one of your hobbies you keep pushing aside, an hour a week is all it takes.

Having Unrealistic Expectations

I’m going to end with this one, because it’s an important consideration when it comes to any kind of health and fitness goal you set. Having unrealistic expectations is pretty much a sure-fire way to be disappointed in life. This is why I’m so critical of workout routines and diet plans that are too extreme—they’re more likely to result in failure and some serious feelings of unhappiness.

I’m going to make it super easy for you who want to make sure you are setting realistic health goals: for those looking for an easy approach to healthy eating, try my Common Sense Diet Plan, and for those looking for a manageable workout routine, check out this 12 Week Workout Program.

To solidify your commitment to these happiness success factors make sure to share it with your friends and family on Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter. As always would also love to hear your feedback in the comments section below…

source: weightlossandtraining