Brought to you by Electric Ireland
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
That Dalai Lama quote has launched thousands of inspirational Facebook memes but that doesn’t make it any less true.
So what can you do to inject a bit more happiness into your life?
1. Get active
Exercise can improve your mood, help you relax and make you feel better about yourself.
Smirking like a Bond Villain is optional.
You don’t need to guzzle protein shakes or pump weights for two hours to qualify. A quick jog or a spin on an exercise machine can make a big difference.
2. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep helps your body recover and makes you less sensitive to negative emotions.
So binge watching TV shows until four in the morning may actually be making you unhappy, as well as making it really hard to get up for work.
3. Hang out with people
Scientific research has shown that catching up with friends and family can make people happier.
Still, it’s all relative. Especially if socialising with some of your relations is your worst nightmare.
4. Save yourself some money
Everyone likes saving money but it’s not the easiest thing to do. One simple suggestion is to shop around when it comes to your utilities.
For instance, you could save €452 on electricity or €629 on dual electricity and gas over two years if you switch to Electric Ireland. Happiness (and a healthier bank account) are just around the corner!
5. Get outdoors
It’s not just your sun-tan that suffers when you spend all day in a dark building. Sunlight boosts your serotonin levels and that improves your mood.
It may be tricky to find sunlight during an Irish winter but getting some fresh air helps. Just look at the big happy head on Bear Grylls.
6. Smile
Apparently, the simple act of smiling can make you happier, although it has to be a real smile.
So find yourself a comedy box set or start recruiting some seriously funny new friends.
7. Stop skipping meals
Breakfast may seem like a Utopian concept when you’re 20 minutes late for work and running to catch the LUAS. Yet eating regular meals is important.
A drop in your blood sugar levels sends stress signals to the brain so try to grab a snack if you don’t have time for a full Irish.
8. Meditate
Get yourself comfortable, get your breathing right and try a bit of meditation to give yourself some inner peace and happy vibes. You might be surprised at the results.
Just don’t confuse this step and step two. It’s easily done!
Electric Ireland want to keep their customers happy by giving them long-term savings on their gas and electricity bills every year. They are offering customers savings on their bills for staying with them and for getting people to sign up to their Stay Happy program. You can claim your savings and find out more about their great deals here.
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