Every day all around us we see that eating healthy and regular exercise is good for your health. But, you know what else is good for you? 

Happiness, joy, and excitement. Everything in life is not only about restrictions and discipline, but rather feeling happy and energized and finding joy in everyday things. 

As much as veggies and regular exercise help you to get in better shape and be healthy, feeling happy is as important. Being happy reduces pain and protects your heart. It boosts your immune system and helps to deal with stress, and as we know it – stress is one of the 21st century’s silent killers. 

Here are 3 simple things you can do to lighten up your mood:

1. Treat yourself

With this, we don’t mean splurging shopping sprees. From time to time, it is okay to have chocolate or any other snack you might love. 

If you are keeping yourself healthy and generally sticking to a healthy diet, there is no harm in treating yourself with your favorite snack.

Dark chocolate if you like it is probably one of the best choices as it is loaded with antioxidants and is an excellent energy booster.

If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, get yourself whatever you like, just be mindful of the amount you eat. 

The fact that you decide to treat yourself with Oreos, chocolate truffles or cake, does not mean that you should finish off it all. Just be mindful of the amount you consume.

2. Go outside 

Even if you are not up for a jog or power walk, get yourself at least 20 minutes of fresh air and nature. 

Studies have shown that a simple walk and just being outside can decrease cancer risks, help with your mental health, and regulate your blood pressure. 

If the sun is out that walk will help you to boost your Vitamin D levels. 

Just being in nature will lighten your mood and improve your life satisfaction, as nature has a way of grounding us and calming us down.

3. Get your endorphins going

Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and helps you to cope with pain. They also can help with reducing anxiety, regulating your appetite, boosting your immune response, and reducing depression or anxiety. 

Even though dark chocolate as well as getting outside will help to boost your endorphins, find an activity that will boost them even quicker. 

What is a better way to do it than listening to your favorite playlist and dancing along?

In fact, drop whatever you are doing right now. Tune in your favorite song and let loose. Dance your heart out, sing along, have fun and just be free. 

Don’t forget that having fun is one of the prerequisites of being happy, thereafter feeling good and healthy!