Stop what you’re doing and be happier- in 30 mins
We all want to be happier, whether just in the moment or as part of goals for the future. Even if you’re some sort of hard-core entrepreneurial masochist, you still probably acknowledge that happiness improves your performance and the lives of those around you.
So how do you become happier? In my book, the best place to start is by feeling better. When you have more energy, the happiness comes naturally and if it doesn’t, then you have the emotional energy to cope better.
So here are 5 things to do to feel your best, right now. Do them in this order straight away- it takes less than an hour- and completely reset, or “hack” your body into a higher energy state
1.Drink more water- have a glass or two, add some cucumber, mint, strawberry or lemon and enjoy the feeling it has on your brain. Plus, it only takes like 30 seconds, and helps with any problems you might be having with cravings, hunger and dehydration (obviously).

2. Do some exercise- for 20 minutes. This is a short run at best, or some flexibility in the garden. Don’t go to the gym- make this easy and natural. Remember, the goal here is to make you feel better. If you feel like getting a sweat on and burning some calories, you’ll be all the better for it. Personally, I find the harder I push myself here the bigger the endorphin rush and the better I feel, but this is up to you.

3. Have a cold shower- this is where the effects really start to kick in. Turn the shower temperature down as low as it will go, stand under it, and turn it on. Hold yourself- this is the hardest part- and feel your body warm up quickly. If you cant do this, splashing cold water on your face and wrists has a similar, if far more moderate effect. By now, your body is pumping blood to your brain like nothing else. When you get out, you’d have to be a robot not to be feeling amazing.
4. Make the change material- If you’re at the office, take off your shoes and dress down as much as you can. The idea of this step is to reinforce the idea that you have changed your mental state, and you are mentally more comfortable and focused. It doesn’t have to be clothes- leaving your watch off, your phone turned off or wearing a fresh pair of underwear will hold your mind to this idea.
5. Meditate- sit with this feeling, just for a minute or two. Feel how it makes you feel; the change in motivation, the natural energy, the bubbling creativity coming from deep down. Sit with it, then pick up the pen and get to work, starting slowly and carefully, and finding that state of flow.

How did the day go? You didn’t eat anything different- you didn’t have any coffee, though I’ll bet it felt like you did. All you did was take your understanding and act on it. I won’t go on for much longer- you’ve got things to do- but you’ve probably realised the possibilities of this technique, and how you can use it to completely reset yourself.
All in all, I’m confident I don’t have to sell any of this to you- the feeling, energy and possibilities at your disposal speak for themselves: and what you choose to do with them is up to you.
Acknowledgements-
Headstrong by David Asprey
How to have a good day by Caroline Webb
