PANDEMIC HEALING - S2 / 023

<p>PANDEMIC HEALING - S2 / 023</p> <p>Hosted By Michael Crespo</p> <p class="endmark">But how does one actually boost happiness during a global pandemic? It’s certainly not as simple or tactile as washing one’s hands — but there are actions we can take to manifest joy. Here’s what experts recommend:</p> <ol class=""> <li> <p><strong>Double down on physical self-care — especially exercise.</strong> <a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/">Gretchen Rubin</a>, author of numerous books including “The Happiness Project” and host of the weekly podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” says that the first step in boosting happiness is to take care of your body. “Your physical experience will always influence your emotional experience,” she says. “And exercise is the magical elixir of life.” Even light yoga or <a href= "https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-walking-most-underrated-form-exercise-ncna797271"> taking a quick walk</a>can do the trick, Manly says, adding: “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27100368">Research shows that a mere 12 minute walk</a> is sufficient to create an upbeat, happy mood.”</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Meditate.</strong> “You’ll actually <a href= "https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/stressed-here-s-how-tap-zen-feeling-almost-instantly-ncna847761"> foster inner joy by slowing to meditate</a> for even five minutes at a time,” says Manly. “Meditation increases feel-good neurochemicals, as it reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.”</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Improve sleep hygiene.</strong> A <a href= "https://www.today.com/health/why-am-i-having-vivid-dreams-coronavirus-having-impact-sleep-t177673"> good night’s sleep</a> is hard to come by when you’re self-quarantined in a global pandemic, but <a href= "https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-body-brain-while-you-sleep-ncna805276"> rest is crucial</a> to both physical and mental wellness. Take extra measures to at least try to regulate your sleep. “I recommend setting an alarm to go to bed, just as you se