Four S approach your brain will thank you for

Daily life can be boring if you are not mindful of the activities you do. When we continue to live the same way, we get into depleted mental state. Our overall happiness drops, and frustrations sneak in. Our brain releases happy chemicals when we design new ways of doing things, new ways to remain social and the list goes on. Four S is a scientific and systematic approach towards our daily life will bring the required dose of happiness for our mental health.

How to redesign your daily life through Four S:

Silence, Surprise, Soothe, Shine

Silence: "Two hours of silence per day prompted cell development in the hippocampus, the brain region related to the formation of memory, involving the senses", says the scientists who worked on the impact of silence on our physical and mental health. You can start practicing silence from fifteen minutes a day.

A quiet time will not only relieve you from noise and chaos but also help you increase your calm energy. This newfound calm energy will connect you deeper with your inner world, your thoughts, and emotions. Several medical researches also found that practicing silence daily will reduce your stress hormone cortisol significantly.

Surprise: When your life is dull and predictable your brain seeks novelty. To ward off routine and boredom your brain looks for something new. That is why we love pleasant surprises such as birthday messages, cake, or a gift. We can do it for ourselves also. When you watch a new movie, read a new book, find meaning to a new word then your brain releases happy hormone dopamine. So, surprise your brain by finding something new or doing something different.

Soothe: Find out what soothes your mind. Make a list and see what you can easily include in your daily life. Some of the proven methods to soothe the human mind are listening to flute instrumental songs, taking a long hot shower, reclining on a cozy sofa, spending time with your pet, being with nature and the list goes on. Soothing activities like these increase happy hormones like oxytocin and endorphin. So, start including one soothing activity in your daily routine from tomorrow.

Shine: Have you ever noticed the happy and elated feeling when we achieve something? That is your happy hormone serotonin release in your brain. When you shine in something you do you get serotonin in abundance. You can shine in any pursuit of your choice. You can revive your hobbies. You can paint, cook, sing, play sports, ride a bike, do gardening, create a craft, learn a language etc.

Remember that you got to shine in your own eyes for your happiness. You do not have to depend on others' approval to be happy. So, try to shine in small or big activities daily. Research has also proven that people get their serotonin release when they achieve the targeted steps in their pedometer app. You can set mini goals for you daily and achieve the same. It can be a number of steps on your smart watch, it can be your daily water intake or study hours. The choice is yours.

Practice these four S: Silence, Surprise, Soothe, Shine daily and help you release happy hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, endorphin and serotonin. Have a happy life.

Published earlier in the newspaper tabloid "The Desert Trail"