the sun

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.
-Hans Christian Anderson

Keep your face always towards the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.
-Walt Whitman

(poster url: http://itthing.com/how-sun-affects-happiness)

It is no coincidence that we tend to associate the sun with joy and happiness. The sun helps the body producing both endorphins ("happy hormones") which are known to relieve pain, give you energy and a general feeling of pleasure, happiness and well-being; as well as Vitamin D. Lack of Vitamin D (quite common in the Northern parts of the World, and increasingly common nowadays as people work longer hours inside, and wear sunscreen whenever they go outside) has been linked to depression and other mental health problems.

When I think of ways to easily lift my spirits, taking a walk outside immediately comes to mind. When I sit too long, or if I stay inside the whole day I become irritated and lethargic.

Resolution #2: Take a 10-15 minute walk outside after lunch every day. Walk briskly, breathe in some fresh air and look at the sun (or if not, then enjoy the rain, embrace the wind, feel the snow).