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Effective January 1, 2024, the administration of behavioral health services will transition to Health Net. For additional provider resources and information, please visit Health Net of California or Health Net of Oregon .
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Effective January 1, 2024, the administration of behavioral health services will transition to Health Net. For additional provider resources and information, please visit Health Net of California or Health Net of Oregon .

News

Keys to Happiness: Five Things Continually Happy People Do

Date: 06/01/22

Feel like you’re stuck in a rut and not as happy as the next guy? We are pleased to share five habits that happy people incorporate into their lives to stay positive and keep smiling — even when things don’t go as planned.

Turn It Off. People are consumed by screens whether it’s scrolling through social media on their phones, sending emails for work, or watching television after a long day. Try taking breaks every few hours – or just turn devices off for a few hours at the end of the day. Enjoy the things that matter with your newfound free time - go for a walk around the neighborhood, catch up with an old friend in-person, or simply watch the sunset. Looking away from your screen lets you be more present and appreciate the real-world around you.

Help Others. Studies show that generosity is linked to improved happiness and health. Random acts of kindness are twofold by benefiting the individual receiving and the individual giving. Consider donating to a cause that is close to your heart, volunteering at the local food shelter, or mentoring young children in your community. You’ll feel good about yourself and enjoy additional health benefits like a boost in self-esteem, reduced stress levels, and lowered blood pressure levels.

Learn New Skills. Challenging yourself and learning something new boosts happiness and self-confidence. Set a goal that excites you, but also focus on the progress you make during your journey. Try out a new sport, learn to play an instrument, or cook a new meal for your family each week to keep your creative juices flowing

Spread Positivity. Each day try to compliment or do something nice for three different people. You’ll be amazed how great you’ll feel! It doesn’t have to be anything huge: simply let someone know when a good job has been done, hold the door open for a group of people, or bring in a treat for your co-workers. Research shows that even just smiling can increase your happiness. The next time you’re feeling down, remember turning your frown upside down can actually change the way you’re feeling!

Don’t Fret. Worrying just increases your stress level. To help mitigate, first thing in the morning make a list of items that are bothering you and determine which ones you can actually do something about. The items you have no control over cross off your list. Take the remaining stressors and come up with actionable steps that can help reduce your worries. Writing these pain points down on a piece of paper will help clear your mind so you don’t feel overwhelmed during the day. As a rule of thumb, if it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Programs and services are subject to change. Managed Health Network, LLC (MHN) is a subsidiary of Health Net, LLC. The MHN companies include Managed Health Network and MHN Services, LLC. Health Net and Managed Health Network are registered service marks of Health Net, LLC or its affiliates. All rights reserved