Whether it’s early-morning traffic (which should be listed as a major mental health hazard, if you ask me), frustrating colleagues or the near-constant onslaught of negative news, it can be hard to wear a smile on your face every day. Yet some people do. Granted, an overly chipper outlook first thing on a Monday can seem annoying (at least let me finish my cup of coffee before you start telling me all about your weekend), but deep down we all wish we could be a bit more content. The truth is, we can lighten our mood – according to science, it’s not that hard. All you need to do is put some simple habits in place.
1 CULTIVATE CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS
Loneliness can be a killer – in fact, experts have linked it to shorter lifespans. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Harvard researchers started a study that followed the lives of 268 male Harvard graduates as well as 456 working-class men over the course of 75 years. Of those 724 men, 77 per cent rated themselves as extremely happy, and their relationships as ‘very good’ or ‘the greatest’. And of that group, 75 per cent said the most important factor in their lives was the success of their closest relationships.
‘The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period,’ says Harvard professor Robert Waldinger.
Bu hikaye Fairlady dergisinin March 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Fairlady dergisinin March 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
