People are constantly saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but the real key to longevity is happiness. Happiness can be found when you enjoy the smallest moments life has to offer; this includes cooking dinner with a glass of wine in hand. Having a glass of wine with dinner doesn’t have to be a fancy endeavor. Tuesday night, mac and cheese, a glass of wine and a smile on your face might just be what you need.
Five O’Clock Somewhere
In today’s society, everyone is worried about being up at 5 a.m. to make it to the gym before their long day of classes. It’s true, you should take care of your health and body but being happy is also a part of a healthy diet. Pouring yourself a glass of wine once in a while is about choosing to indulge with intention. Having a glass of wine with your dinner doesn’t mean drinking the whole bottle, it’s simply about romanticizing the little things including your dinner for one.
Scratch the Diet and Dance
Whether you enjoy red, white or rosé, you can put on your comfiest outfit and play your favorite song to dance to. Having a night to yourself and taking a break from the outside world might be all you need to cheer yourself up.
When we permit ourselves to enjoy ourselves, we take better care of ourselves in the long run. A diet filled with guilt and pressure to always do the right things isn’t sustainable. But a lifestyle that includes both kale salads and a glass of wine on the side? That’s a recipe for true wellness.
Live a Little
Research shows that smiling and laughter trigger endorphins which create a natural feeling of euphoria and they can lower your stress. According to an article by NBC, “Smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and possibly even prolong your life.” so the saying “fake it til you make it” might be true after all. When you smile, you trick your brain into thinking you are actually happy.
To live a long healthy life, eating well is important but so is smiling. Whatever brings you happiness, or at least a smile on your face is what you need to include more of in your diet. Laughing at a silly meme, dancing in your kitchen or clinking glasses with your roommate over boxed wine and Trader Joe’s frozen gnocchi? It’s all good for the soul and the body too! Happiness isn’t in some far-off destination, it’s right there, in your glass and on your plate.
Cheers to the little things and let us know what you are happy about on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
