(BlackDoctor.org) -- Wanna be happy? You may be saying "I'm already happy." Well if you are, why not be happier? Keep on reading to cash in on our seven day strategy on becoming a happier you.
Day 1. Watch a funny movie
Medical studies indicate that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and suppresses levels of the stress hormone epinephrine. Being too serious and analytical is another form of stress. Laughter is a great way to relax your face and your soul. It’s impossible to worry when you laugh.
Day 2. Pop a vitamin
Even if you eat well, you should still take a multivitamin and mineral supplement as a backup. It is also a good idea to take calcium with vitamin D and magnesium. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium into the bones and magnesium helps to offset the constipation that occurs with some women when they take calcium supplements. Look for vitamins that are chelated, which makes them easier for your body to dissolve and absorb.
Day 3. Schedule a test
Regular medical tests will make sure you’re in top form and catch little problems before they become big problems. The American Cancer Society recommends:
• Pap smear annually for sexually active women with multiple partners.
• Pap smear annually for sexually active women with a monogamous partner (but this can be spread to every three years after two normal paps).
• Mammogram – baseline at 35, annually or biennially from 40 to 50, annually after 50.
• Cholesterol and diabetes test every five years; more often if abnormal.
• Blood pressure check every year.
Day 4. Visit your friends
People who don’t have strong support from friends and family live shorter lives and suffer more from stress. Support from friends can give you the strength to make positive changes in your life, so invite someone out for coffee today.
Day 5. Simplify salads
Make it easy to eat healthfully. Take advantage of the supermarket salad bar. Plus, pre-washed and pre-cut fruits and veggies from the produce section will ensure that healthy foods are at your fingertips whenever you feel the need to nosh.
Day 6. Exercise
Exercising is a great way to stay fit and it releases endorphins, which give you a feeling of happiness.
Day 7. Chill out
Try to find time to unwind every day. Stress can start a chain of negative habits such as eating poorly, restless sleep or being too wound up to exercise. Think about how hard it is to stay on a diet when you’re stressed. How about cutting back on caffeine when you have a deadline? Or making time for exercise when you’re rushing to make a deadline? To de-stress, try taking a walk, enjoying a hot bath or getting a massage.
By De'Laney Rowland, BDO Staff Writer
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BlackDoctor.org is a credible and trusted resource for African Americans to get healthy lifestyle information. A "WebMD" for Black consumers is a good way of looking at us. Our aim is to build a comprehensive database of accurate, relevant information and to be the first point of call whenever African Americans need medical/dental information or a referral to a qualified Black doctor.