Top 10 : Biohack Your Happiness

Eat more chocolate 

Notice what we put into our body affects the way we feel? Studies show foods such as sugar, gluten and carbs depletes our energy levels while other types of food lift our vibration. In fact, it’s now believed that many brain disorders including anxiety, depression, dementia and ADHS can be greatly exaggerated by the food we eat. With this in mind, eat a wide variety of fruit and veggies, green tea, coffee – and dark chocolate!

Embrace cold shower therapy 

Cold showers (or ice baths) flood the mood regulating areas of our brain and boost our happiness levels. Simply put, at the end of your shower, turn off the hot water and blast your skin with a one-minute cold shower. Brrr…tt’s a game changer and feels so invigorating plus improves the mitochondria (the powerhouse of our cells). Get comfortable with the discomfort.

Move your body

Just twenty minutes a day of exercise can dramatically improve our mitochondria, vibration, and brain health. The beauty of exercise is you don’t need to go to gym or yoga class to stay fit. In fact, some studies show short bursts of high-intensity keeps the blood and oxygen flowing through our brain body just as effectively as a one-hour gym session. Take it to the next level with a sprinting or high-intensity workout 1-2 times a week.

Dose up on negative ions

Studies show that high concentrations of negative ions found in the air near the ocean, forest, waterfalls, creeks and rivers, help to boost serotonin and lower depression. Negative ions are small molecules that have a negative electric charge and pass through our skin cells and into our lungs via the air we breathe.  To put it another way, crowded cities have the lowest number of negative ions (around 100 negative ions per cubic centimetre compared to the ocean that has as much as 2000).  If you can’t get to the beach, visit a local park or creek.

Nasal breathing = longevity

Over the last year, we all learned the importance of having adequate oxygen in our body for health and longevity. Just some of the benefits of breathing in and out through our nose include increased air flow to our arteries, veins and nerves, improved circulation, strengthening of the diaphragm and lung capacity. You’ll notice that athletes practice nasal breathing to enhance their performance and recovery. Read ‘Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art’ recommended by Ultimate Library in this edition.

Push play to lift your spirits

Press play to raise your happy meter! Music is deeply linked to our emotions – there’s plenty of studies showing how certain sound frequencies make us feel calmer, happier, and relaxed. Listening to music releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter in our brain responsible for feelings of pleasure. Lift your spirits further by bringing dance into your life – whether it’s a class or just dancing in the lounge room! 

Hydrate to raise your serotonin levels

We all know how essential hydration is for our health but did you know that hydration is greatly linked to our happiness? This is because dehydration can throw off the dopamine and serotonin levels in our brain. Studies show a connection between dehydration and low mood, poor memory and tension. Health experts say to sip water throughout the day rather than big full glasses every few hours.

Take a digital detox

Feeling drained, exhausted and suffering sleep disorders? Switch off your devices and go for a walk or read a book. Too much time on digital devices is thought to be inflammatory and can raise our blood pressure. The less we expose ourselves to the harmful blue light that emits from our screens, the better we feel.  Remember – natural light is medicine!

Socialise for longevity  

Studies show that folk who have a healthy social life and an authentic sense of connection with self and others experience less anxiety, depression, inflammation – and live longer!  There are multiple ways to cultivate connection. Join a team sport, participate in community events and volunteer work and arrange dinners and picnics with friends and family. Let’s get this party started!

Fast for more energy 

Eating less is now known to be one of the most efficient ways to extend our lifespan – and will dramatically improve positive energy levels! There are many ways to fast – from intermittent fasting to simply fasting from processed ‘industrial’ foods, sugar, and carbs. Avoid food emergency situations by stocking up on healthy snacks. As suggested by Dr. Mark Hyman, maybe it’s time to ‘normalise’ fasting.