5. Prioritize Sunday-night Sleep
You already know that getting enough shut-eye is linked to improved memory and better skin, but it can also have a serious effect on your happiness levels. In fact, according to psychologist Norbert Schwarz, Ph.D., “Making $60,000 more in annual income has less of an effect on your daily happiness than getting one extra hour of sleep a night.” That’s a good enough excuse for us to head to bed one hour earlier tonight (although we wouldn’t necessarily say no to an extra 60 grand).
6. Do Something Nice For Someone Else
If you’re not already volunteering your time on the reg, now’s the time to start. Not only does doing something good for others help those in need, but it can also boost your own happiness. That’s according to a report published in BMC Public Health in which researchers reviewed 40 studies from the past 20 years. They found that volunteering is associated with lower depression, increased well-being and a higher sense of life satisfaction. (Oh, and a 22 percent reduction in the risk of dying, so you know, not too shabby.)
7. …and Something Nice For Yourself
OK, so this one isn’t scientific, but it’s worth mentioning the power of a little #SelfCareSunday. Whether you treat yourself to a three-hour brunch, a skin-smoothing sheet mask that costs more than your entire Trader Joe’s haul or a trip to the farmers market to buy flowers for your desk, doing a little something nice for yourself is a fabulous way to chill out when Monday is just around the corner.