How can you work on your happiness? 

Written By Klara Pokorna

Health and Happiness are connected.

Happiness is the key; you know that. And did you know that people who describe themselves as happy have fewer health problems, are less likely to develop depression, and live longer? How can you be more joyful, happy, and, of course, healthy? Do you think that doesn't work? According to the available research, it is working! In that case, there are many ways you have the power to change it, says Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the longest-running study on happiness, the Harvard Study on Adult Development.

A few interesting facts to start with:

  • On average, 50% of people's general level of happiness is determined by genetics.

  • 40% is under people's control,

  • And only 10% depends on the circumstances.

Working on happiness is hard, but it is worth it. We promise.🙏

We have never heard that we need to move more, sleep a lot, eat healthier, and surround ourselves with positive people. But what if these things aren't enough? Yes, working on yourself and your happiness is challenging; it's hard work, but the results are worth it! No matter what mood we are in, every day is a new beginning, and every day we can decide what kind of person we will be. 


Here are some tips on how to boost your mental and physical health. 

1. Meet with your close family and friends👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👯‍♀️

The Harvard study found a strong link between happiness and close family relationships and friends. The covid pandemic made it entirely impossible for us to meet in person, so we only saw each other through social networks. Meeting face to face creates emotional stimulation, leading to a better mood and pleasant feelings. At the same time, isolation destroys the spirit, as we have all experienced quarantine. 

2. Volunteering🙋‍♀️

Has anyone thought about what it's like to work voluntarily in a children's home or nursing home? If you are interested in any help area, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and improves your mood.

3. Acts of kindness🎁

The so-called altruism means to do good for others, and it can also have significant effects on one's well-being. Your brain knows that you help someone, bringing enjoyable feelings. Take a look at the various charity platforms in your country to donate money or provide material help. The great thing is that you can donate money once or regularly. 

Here are some tips for donation platforms:  

  • donio.cz – There are charitable or commercial collections. You can also choose the amount of money you want to donate.

  • darujme.cz - You can choose from several areas you want to help like kids, animals, health, etc.

  • clovekvtisni.cz- The most famous non-profit organization all around the world.

4. Invest in experience rather than in material goods🎉🥂

It doesn't have to be a big adventure. Go for dinner alone to your favorite restaurant, go to the gym or join Yogagang class. You should remember that investing in yourself is better than material goods. Did you know that people who spend money on experiences have longer-term satisfaction, as they create happier memories? In comparison, buying material objects often provide only temporary happiness.

 Some sports tips from our gang:

And you should try these local businesses:

  • Our killer queen's favorite restaurant Café Savoy. That's the place where you probably meet Klara on her Sunday brunch.

  • If you love Italian food, the best choice will be Pizza Nuova located in the center of Prague. Their menu is significant, and what you have to try are Gnocchi with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. OMG!

  • The best Mexican cuisine you find at Las Adelitas. I love their burritos so much. And yes, MARGARITA can't miss it!

  • Manifesto Market Smíchov – A new, more immense gastronomic and cultural paradise in Prague 5. The place where you find Asian, Indian, Brazilian cuisine, and many more. Don't worry, guys; drinks and bars are also available here!

5. Refresh your inner child👼🏼

What made you happy when you were younger? Every adult has a small child, so why can't we refresh it again? Pick up hobbies, games, sports, or other interests from your youth. For me, it is painting and dancing around the flat, LOL.

6. Spend more time with happy people😆

The worst thing is to invest your energy into the wrong people, and it destroys our mood, and I think nobody wants that. Did you know that happiness can be contagious? One study found that happiness can spread through social networks. Happy and positive people are also suitable for our mental health, so you should join our Yogagang family!

7. More green, more joy🍃

Did you know that just 15 minutes in the sun can improve your mood? For our mental health and happiness, it is good to walk to areas of urban green space such as parks, gardens, and riversides. Or you can create your own green space. Why? Because gardening at home improves emotional well-being and walking.

Here are some tips for the green places in Prague:

  • Rieger Gardens – the park in Vinohrady with a beautiful city view. And the sunset is incredible! You can also buy some drinks and food here.

  • Obora Hvězda – A big park in Prague 6 where you can run and cycle. And, of course, cultural and sporting events take place here.

  • The park Stromovka – This is my favorite green space in Prague. A big park near Holešovice. Bring your friend and make a picnic here!

  • The wild Šárka (Divoká Šárka) – This park will take you all day because it is sooo big. Šárka has become a popular destination for climbers and summer trips because you will find a beautiful classic natural swimming pool Džbán here.

  • Prokop Valley (Prokopské údolí) - is one of the most popular near Prague 5. If you want to rest and relax, this is the best spot for it!

8. Be grateful🖤

You can create daily routine writing items you are grateful for. It can be your values or ordinary things like a warm bed, a good breakfast, or just lovely weather outside. Whatever it is, count your blessings, and it helps positive thinking. In the end, it's all about the little things in our lives.

 If you want to start with journaling, try these steps:

  • Create a routine.

  • It's best to write down things we are grateful for in the morning. It slows down thinking!

  • Start slowly implementing this habit into your routine. It takes practice.

  • Write down three things you are grateful for.

  • Write down three things that will make today a great day.

  • Write down how you feel at the moment.

9. A therapy can help💆‍♀️

If you have tried everything and still do not feel well. I recommend trying psychotherapy. You can meet with a therapist online or offline; it's up to you. The therapist will help you look at things more objectively, and you will quite possibly find something about yourself that you didn't even know. Remember, your soul is as important as your physical health, and there is no shame to ask for help. 

Online psychotherapy platforms you can try: 

  • terap.io - This platform has certified therapists and large and easy options.

  • Hedepy.cz – You fill out a simple form and the page will automatically select a therapist just for you.

  • Tymosia.cz

  • If you still don't know where to look for a psychologist precisely for you, the website kpsychologovi.cz helps people find him. And it is free!

And… What makes you happy, gang? You can leave a comment below and share your tips with us. Don't forget to work on yourself because no one will do it for you! And laugh a lot because scientists have found that with a smile, people feel happier. So work on your happiness, honestly. You can do it right now. Growth is often uncomfortable, messy, and full of feelings you weren't expecting, but it's necessary. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. YOGAGANG is here for you! 












Klara Pokorna
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