There’s a common misconception that, in order to be happy, you need to avoid risk. Surely the best way to live is to play it safe, keep your nose down and toes out of harm’s way. However, many psychologists have demonstrated that taking risks can have positive effects on mental health and might just be the key to increased well-being and happiness.
It’s a misconception that taking risks is a route to creating too much stress in your life. That is an oversimplification, and a little stress in your life is a good thing.
Good vs Bad Stress
Stress is a natural process that our body uses to keep us alert. Our bodies release stress hormones in response to different situations. In some situations, such as a physical attack, the stress hormone increases our reflexes and acts as a stimulant. In other situations, such as taking an exam, stress can be more of a distraction. There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good stress can improve performance and help us feel more alive and richer for the experience.
How to Get Started Taking Risks
This isn’t to suggest that people start to risk their health, financial situation, or employment. The idea is to explore the benefits of taking a calculated risk, for example:
Gambling
It can be as simple as betting in a real money online casino like those found on https://www.bestaucasinosites.com/real-money-casinos/ to get the blood pumping and generate feelings of excitement.
Talk to a Stranger
Talking to somebody new can be a huge boost for your happiness. If you are shy or nervous, this can be a great way to feel better about yourself. You may get some eye contact from the stranger and even offer them some social interaction.
Try a New Type of Food
In the same way as gambling, eating something new can be a great way to boost your mood. Exploring your inner foodie can include trying a new type of cuisine or even switching up your diet for one week.
Do Something You’re Not Good At
It may sound obvious, but doing something that you’re not good at can be incredibly beneficial. Learning a new skill or getting involved in sports is a great way to loosen your inhibitions and feel completely free. Playing sports can also really help build confidence issues and address self-esteem problems.
Apply for Your Dream Job
It’s very common for people to fear change. The general attitude is that “I’m good at this, I learned how to do it, and I’m not going to let somebody else tell me what I have to do!” Changing your job can cause a great deal of distress and lead to feelings of panic. It’s often the most difficult thing for people to do because of the degree of uncertainty about what your future will be like. However, the rewards can be fulfilling and beyond your wildest hopes.
What Are the Risks?
Of course, there are risks involved with taking chances. Risking failure is a big step, and anybody who has failed at something knows how difficult it can be to cope. The key thing here is to acknowledge that failure happens to everybody at some point in their lives, but by recognizing that it’s normal, you will be able to learn from your mistakes and move on.
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