According to UCLA neuroscience researcher Alex Korb, you can create an upward spiral of happiness in your life through 4 simple rituals:

1. Ask yourself what you are grateful for
The benefits of gratitude start by improving the dopamine system, but it also boosts the serotonin production. And gratitude doesn’t just make your brain happy, it can also create a positive feedback loop in your relationships. So express that gratitude to the people you care about.

2. Label Negative Feelings
Studies demonstrate that consciously recognizing the emotions reduce their impact. Meditation has employed this skill for centuries. Labeling is a fundamental tool of mindfulness.

3. Make That Decision
Ever make a decision and then your brain finally feels at rest? That’s no random occurrence. Brain science shows that making decisions reduces worry and anxiety.

4. Touch people
No, not indiscriminately (that can get you in a lot of trouble). But we need to feel love and acceptance from others. When we don’t, it’s painful. Touching is incredibly powerful. We just don’t give it enough credit. It makes you more persuasive, increases team performance, improves your flirting… heck, it even boosts math skills.

To learn more, read the full article by Eric Barker on Time.

Happiness

Image: Flickr – Moyan Brenn (CC BY 2.0)