In society today it is easy to get swept up in the fast-paced consumer lifestyle, to believe that buying more ‘things’ will lead to greater happiness, often at the expense of focusing and taking care of yourself – both physically and mentally. If you live in a city known for its parties, such as Los Angeles, it can also be difficult to find a calming balance in life and give enough time to boosting your inner happiness. There are, however, steps you can take, such as increasing your regular exercise and focusing on good nutrition, which can counteract the damaging effects of a party lifestyle and help your body and mind to find a calming place of relaxation and happiness.
 
You are what you eat
Diet is very important in terms of having an impact on your mental and physical health. Therefore, it’s vital that you are eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day and aim to eat a variety of different colors of fruits and vegetables. The natural coloring in bright foods from beetroot to sweet potato, mango to kiwi fruit, means each piece contains different nutrients and vitamins that can boost your body’s defenses. Adding a superfood supplement, such as a teaspoon of maca root powder, to your smoothies or yogurt daily is an easy way to increase your nutrient intake. Maca root powder is a Peruvian superfood, thought to be rich in antioxidants, increasing mental and physical energy, balancing hormones and increasing libido in both men and women, thereby boosting your happiness.  
 
Sober up
Try to limit your alcohol intake to give your body a chance to recover and keep healthy. If you have engaged in the wild lifestyle a little too much and are now keen to experience sober living in Los Angeles, then think about moving to short-term accommodation in a safe and structured recovery home to help you to stick to your recovery goals and find a happier, more stable you.   
 
Exercise to get your endorphins pumping
If you have a set exercise routine (at least three times per weekfor a minimum of half an hour), it will help to increase your heart rate. This will not only keep your body fit, but it will also help to boost your happy hormones. Exercise releases endorphins, which are neurochemicals that act as natural painkillers and increase feelings of well-being. So get yourself to your local gym and try out a few different classes to see what suits you best – perhaps you’ll like the high-octane focus of a spin class or maybe a weight lifting circuit training class is more to your taste. If donning your lycra and sweating in a gym is not appealing then take to the great outdoors and go hiking with friends or try a surfing class. Not only will exercising outside boost endorphins, but it will also increase your happiness as research indicates that more time spent in nature is likely to make you feel both happier and calmer.
 
Find your calm
To truly help yourself to relax, why not take up yoga? Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India that incorporates breathing exercises with a series of physical postures. Undertaking regular yoga practice can help to calm your mind as well as stretch and tone your body. The breathing exercises integral to yoga help to create inner balance and bring about a greater sense of personal peace and happiness.
 
 

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