Do you have a lot to do in your calendar or reminder list? Add one more: it's time to plan a little fun for yourself, your loved one.
And so it is clear that joy and pleasure are very necessary things in our lives. Let's look at the other side a little bit this time, which is serious. What does science say about pleasure?
Studies show:
* laughter has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, reduces anxiety and anxiety, promotes relaxation.
* positive emotions reduce the level of hormones under stress, and thus help to cope with stress, solve problems and even resist diseases.
* when you do something interesting or enjoyable, you are distracted from the immediate problems and feel more confident.
How to learn to have fun?
Humor helps in a difficult situation: it is very difficult to keep an angry face when funny.
* Find a couple of books with humorous stories. When you read — share the funniest moments on Twitter or Facebook.
* Make a selection of funny photos, cartoons, quotes, etc., print and make a collage. Hang it in a conspicuous place, but do not forget to change the exhibits sometimes, or they will cease to be funny.
* Watch comedies or sitcoms. Look for something new in this genre.
* Try to laugh at difficult problems or situations, even if it is difficult to do, but you still try. There's always some absurdity.
* Except jokes and humor, we get pleasure and joy from communication with friends, from team games, from hobby, from game with children, word, from just, except work :)
My life is boring. What am I doing wrong?
* Set a schedule for pleasant activities in your life, similar to what you do with other things. Write this event in the calendar. And not transfer!
* Remember what you had the most fun as a child? Make this. Buy in the Children's world finger paints or washable markers and paint the bathroom.
* Think about what you would like to learn to do? Make a salmon souffle? To crochet? Scrapbooking? Dancing? Ask, what hobby have your known, can be, and you anything like.
* Music! Singing, writing, listening-all this has an amazing effect. See what concerts are planned in your city. How long have you been interested in new compositions of your favorite band?
* Find a company with whom you can share the joy of a concert or cooking classes — at least one person will be enough.
* Try massage, meditation, SPA treatments, nature trips.
Define your " flow»:
Mihai Csikszentmihalyi, Professor of psychology, Dean of the University of Chicago, known for his studies of happiness, creativity, subjective well-being and cheerfulness, created the theory of "flow", according to which people are most happy if they are in a special state of flow of complete unity with the activity and situation. This feeling is characterized by freedom, joy, a sense of complete satisfaction and mastery; a person can forget about time, hunger, his social role, etc.
Determine what your "flow" is»:
* Remember, did you have today, yesterday, the day before yesterday a feeling of freedom, joy, satisfaction, confidence? What were you doing at the time?
* Try it again — will the feeling repeat? If Yes-this is your "flow".
* Don't look for "flow" in passive activities like watching TV. There it is not :) Usually, the "flow" is where there are challenges, challenges, improving skills, etc.
Build your flow into your routine. Even in the most hateful routine you can find some challenge to something in you. Tired of mopping the floor? Try to do it standing or jumping on one leg, will you succeed?
* By the way, Professor Csikszentmihalyi himself suggested that everyone remember the pronunciation of his last name: "chicks send me high", although in fact his last name has a geographical origin.
What else can be done:
When something good, fun, enjoyable and joyful happens, fix the moment. Don't run any further. Everyday vanity prevents to pay attention to pleasant trifles and events. Well, at least enough.
* Give yourself some time to just "hang" in pleasure. Feel how cool it was. Great news. Wonderful event.
* Practice mindfullness: the skill of being completely immersed in sensations. Try to start to fully experience and enjoy the delicious food. Aroma, serving, texture, taste. And do not immediately send photos to instagram!! It can be done later. Try to be a little mindful during the day: in the morning feel the warm shower pours on your shoulders, in the afternoon-as the frost stings your cheeks.
* Share good news or your achievements with friends or family — and enjoy their joy for you :)
* Feel free to Express emotions bodily: clap your hands, raise your hands, jump in the end.