Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation 
Usually when someone mentions the word ‘health’, the word ‘happiness’ is not second in mind. To most people health means physical health – something which may be determined by the absence of pain or normality with which the body parts function. But health and happiness are so inextricably linked, you can’t have one without the other.
Primarily, happiness is important for your mental health and this is a main aspect of overall health which is easily overlooked. For some reason mental health has been somewhat of a taboo subject in Dominica and the wider Caribbean region. Luckily the importance of mental health and happiness are now being greater recognized. Your mental health ensures you function properly as a person. Research indicates that being happy reduces your chances of stress and helps with other aspects of health.
Here are some ways in which someone’s well-being can benefit from the person’s happiness:
1. Being happy will push you to make healthy lifestyle changes which will improve your overall health. You may feel the need to eat healthier, work out more or even spend more time doing things which are fun and relaxing, all which are good for your mental and physical self.
2. The body’s immune system is responsible for combating illnesses which can threaten its health status. Research has shown that being happy boosts the immune system thereby reducing your chances of catching a cold or becoming unwell.
3. Maintaining a level of happiness also reduces stress. Some of the many effects of stress are – going gray very early, losing or gaining weight easily, eating unhealthy, heart disease etc. Being happy combats the change in blood pressure and hormones associated with stress.
How can I be happy if I’m stuck in a bad mood?
If you realize you aren’t a happy person, or for reasons you have a negative outlook on life, here are some things you can try to improve your mood:
Be thankful – this may seem a simple inefficient action but it helps a lot to take note of the things, both big and small, that you have to be grateful for.
Increase activity – Exercise, get involved in a sport, take on a new project or start taking walks/strolls. Being outdoors and having a change of scenery will help improve your mood.
Sleep well – a good night’s rest will help you approach the new day with a positive attitude and in turn discover more things to be happy about.
Do something that makes you happy daily – Nothing makes us happy like doing something we love or being with the ones that we love spending time with. These are the important things in life that are sure to bring in happiness by the ounces. The way of the superior man by David Deida suggests ‘Spend at least one hour a day doing whatever you simply love to do—what you deeply feel you need to do, in your heart—in spite of the daily duties that seem to constrain you..’
Of course if you find other ways to be happy you are surely encouraged to follow them. After all, a happy healthy life depends on you and can also positively influence those around you to lead happier, healthier lives.
Written by: Andrea Louis
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 