International Day of Happiness: how does sleep make you happy?
The International Day of Happiness is an event designed to shed light on the importance of happiness and taking care of your well-being.
The International Day of Happiness lands on March 20th each year.
Lack of sleep can cause irritability, anxiousness and lethargy.
Consistent healthy sleep is important for brain function, emotional regulation and stress reduction.
During quality sleep, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (the happy hormones) are produced which help you to feel awake and refreshed the next day.
International Day of Happiness: how does sleep make you happy?
With the International Day of Happiness fast approaching, there’s no better time to start focusing on your mental health and looking at what could bring you joy in your day-to-day. One of those things being quality sleep – a science-backed theory that proves getting healthy sleep consistently will reduce your stress levels while increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels.
Today, we’re going to delve further into how sleep can affect your mood and improve your emotional resilience and overall happiness. We’re also going to take a further look at the International Day of Happiness to give you tips on boosting your joy this March.
what is the International Day of Happiness?
The International Day of Happiness is a globally celebrated event that’s designed to shed light on the importance of happiness and taking care of your well-being. Established by the United Nations, the day is celebrated on March 20th each year and has been celebrated since 2013.
how do you celebrate the International Day of Happiness?
There are many ways you can celebrate this joyful occasion, but here’s some of our favourites:
Spend time with loved ones: Just make sure you stay present throughout your time with them
Perform an act of kindness: Whether that’s helping someone across the road or treating your colleague to a coffee
Engage in an activity that brings you happiness: Such as painting your nails, watching an episode of your favourite show or taking yourself out for lunch
Listen to happy music: Upbeat tracks can increase your serotonin levels
Spend time outdoors: Fresh air, taking in the nature and getting some exercise is always an easy way to boost your endorphins
Increasing your happiness doesn’t have to end there either – why not finish your day with a quality snooze?
the connection between sleep & our mood
Sleep plays a huge role in how we look, feel and even function in our day-to-day. With lack of quality sleep, you’ll often find you’re much more lethargic, irritable and anxious because your mind and body haven’t had the chance to fully replenish overnight. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to increased stress levels and emotional reactivity, as well as other mental health issues which can hugely impact your overall well-being.
You may be tired of hearing us go on about the many benefits of quality sleep and giving you recommendations of how you can implement a healthy sleep schedule, but by doing so, we guarantee you’ll reap many rewards.
so, can sleep make you happy?
Indeed. Sleep has a plethora of benefits, but one that we always love to talk about is the link between good sleep and feeling happier. Now it’s time to look at the science; once you get a quality night’s rest, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (the happy hormones) are produced which help you to feel awake and refreshed the next day.
Combined with cortisol which increases alertness as you rise and shine, it’s no wonder that all three take a back seat at night as you unwind. These neurotransmitters also continue to play a role in the entire sleep cycle, influencing different sleep stages depending on their levels and at what time you’re sleeping.
That’s not the only reason we encourage healthy sleep. Sleep can also play a role in your brain function, emotional regulation and stress reduction... All elements that determine how happy you feel throughout the day.
the benefits of quality sleep for a happier mindset
There are many benefits to quality sleep, but today we’re going to focus on the ones that’ll boost your happiness.
Encourages Emotional Resilience: After a quality slumber, you’re more likely to handle daily stressors easier and without them impacting your mood for longer than they should.
Enhances Positivity: The more well-rested you are, the more likely you’ll feel joyful and optimistic about things.
Supports Mental Clarity: The better your sleep, the more improved your focus, decision-making and productivity levels are. As a result, the less frustrated you’ll feel when things don’t go a certain way.
what can you do to get better sleep?
It’s all well and good focusing on the benefits of good sleep, but how can you achieve it in the first place? Here are our tips to get you started:
create a sleep-friendly environment
Your surroundings play a huge role in how well you sleep. It’s all about investing in a comfortable bed, reducing noise and light in the space and maintaining a cool temperature. Don’t forget the added luxuries of quality pillows, mattress toppers and bedding to really enhance your sleep experience.
stick to a routine
With consistent bedtimes, you’ll regulate your body clock, making it easier to fall into a deep sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. For tips, read our blog on how to create a night-time routine for better sleep.
limit screen time before bed
Blue lights from mobile phones, tablets, TVs and every other screen affect your melatonin production, therefore disrupting your sleep. Alternatively, pick up a book or try some colouring to wind down to instead.
practice relaxation techniques
If you need that extra helping hand to relax your mind and body before you hit the hay, practises like meditation or deep breathing exercises can promote restful sleep. By putting some time aside for this, you’ll begin to feel a sense of calm as your stress levels reduce and your racing thoughts are silenced.
It’s no surprise that sleep can influence how happy you feel the following day which is why it’s so important to prioritise it and give yourself the best chance of a quality slumber. And with the International Day of Happiness fast approaching, there is no better time to incorporate sleep into your well-being routine.
If you found this article helpful, discover the rest of our articles on healthy sleep.
