Songs That Make You Happy

Sometimes, when we are bogged down by the stresses of life, listening to songs and music, can elevate our mood and make us feel a lot better. There are a number of songs that make you happy, every time you listen to them, sometimes even motivating you to live life to the fullest. There are certain dance songs, listening to which you yourself feel like dancing. Then there are love songs, songs about traveling to far away places, friendship songs and songs about good old days, which invoke a feeling of nostalgia and never fail to bring a smile to our face. So, there are different songs which make us feel happy for various reasons. Scroll down for a list of songs that make you happy, for one reason or the other.

Top 10 Songs That Make You Happy

• What A Wonderful World ~ Louis Armstrong
• Never Give Up on a Dream ~ Rod Stewart
• Unbreakable ~ Bon Jovi
• It's A Beautiful Life ~ Ace of Base
• Beat It ~ Michael Jackson
• Bubbly ~ Colbie Caillat
• Pink ~ Aerosmith
• Hotel California ~ Eagles
• Don't Stop Believin' ~ Journey
• All You Need is Love ~ The Beatles

Songs That Make You Happy When You Are Sad

• Life is What You Make It ~ Hannah Montana
• Star ~ Bryan Adams
• Heart of a Champion ~ Nelly
• Macarena ~ Los Del Rio
• Whenever Wherever ~ Shakira
• What a Wonderful World ~ Ramones Cover
• Like a Rolling Stone ~ Bob Dylan
• Magic ~ Mozella
• I'm Walking on Sunshine ~ Katrina and the Waves
• Take it easy ~ The Eagles
• Perfect Day ~ Hoku
• Three Little Birds ~ Bob Marley and the Wailers
• Looking for the Next Best Thing ~ Warren Zevon
• One Love ~ Hootie and The Blowfish
• Van Halen ~ Right Now
• Livin' la Vida Loca ~ Ricky Martin
• What's On Your Mind ~ Information Society
• Do You Believe in Magic? ~ The Lovin' Spoonful
• Don't Worry Be Happy ~ Bobby Mcferrin
• I Feel Good ~ James Brown
• We Will Rock You ~ Queen
• Tom's Diner ~ Suzanne Vega
• You Light Up My Life ~ Debbie Boone
• I Had the Time of My Life (dirty dancing) ~ Bill Medley and Jennifer Warne
• On The Radio ~ Regina Spektor
• Ventura Highway ~ America
• I Made It ~ Kevin Rudoff (feat. Birdman, Jay Sean and Lil Wayne)
• Just Wonderful ~ Stevie Wonder
• Swing It Around ~ Nikka Costa
• Under the Bridge ~ Red Hot Chili Peppers
• It Was a Good Day ~ Ice Cube
• Lay Down Your Weary Tune ~ Bob Dylan
• Life (Everybody Needs Somebody To Love) ~ Haddaway
• Beautiful Day ~ U2
• Dreams Be Dreams ~ Jack Johnson
• Whisper of a Thrill ~ Thomas Newman
• Roots, Rock, Reggae ~ Bob Marley
• I'm Yours ~ Jason Mraz
• Mambo Number 5 ~ Lou Bega
• Like a Prayer ~ Madonna
• Real Love ~ Mary J. Blige
• Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats ~ Los Campesinos
• Shout Out Louds ~ 100 Degrees
• Sexy M.F. ~ Prince and the New Power Generation
• Tom's Diner ~ Suzanne Vega
• Livin' on a Prayer ~ Bon Jovi
• Drops of Jupiter ~ Train
• Do You Remember ~ Jay Sean
• Dancing Queen ~ ABBA
• Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off ~ Joe Nichols
• Mamma Mia ~ ABBA

Songs That Make You Happy After a Break-Up

• I Will Survive ~ Gloria Gaynor
• Not Goin' Cry ~ Mary J. Blige
• Just By Myself ~ Greg Brown
• I Don't Care Anymore ~ Phil Collins
• I Can't Touch the Sun for You ~ Shel Silverstein
• I'm Walking Away ~ Craig David
• Stronger ~ Britney Spears
• I'm Movin on ~ Rascal Flatts
• How It Ends ~ DeVotchKa
• I Used To Love You ~ Johnny Legend
• I Believe I Can Fly ~ By R. Kelly
• These Boots Are Made For Walking ~ Nancy Sinatra
• Goodbye Again ~ John Denver
• Let's Say Goodbye, Like We Said Hello ~ Ernest Tubb
• You Ought To Know ~ Alanis Morissette
• My Happy Ending ~ Avril Lavigne
• Life Goes On ~ Leann Rimes

These are, according to me, some of songs that are sure to uplift your mood. Listening to them is sure to make you feel good about yourself and your life! 

How to Raise Happy Children

Before learning how to raise happy children, parents should know what exactly does happiness mean. The popular culture says that happiness is related to the amount of money a person makes, how good looking he is, how much power he has and how many people know him. On the contrary, this is not what happiness depends upon! A happy person is the one who has loving relationships, who knows how to care for other people, who can give, be responsible and is ready to compromise, if the situation demands. A person is happy when he is positive, confident and values himself as well as others. As parents, it is very important to incorporate all these qualities, in kids, right from childhood itself.

Tips on How to Raise Happy Children

Appreciation and Positivity...
Appreciate your child. If he has learned something new or achieved anything, even if it is very small, point it out and praise him. Appreciating the child and positive reinforcement goes a long way in making a child confident and happy! At the same time, do not overdo it! Do not use words like "the best" or "perfect" or "brilliant", as it will raise expectations, which can pressurize a child and cause him stress.
Allowance for Mistakes...
Tell your child that it is all right to make mistakes as long as he remembers them and does not repeat the same! Childhood is a time of experimentation. Children are up to trying all kinds of things and in the midst of it, can end up making many mistakes. Instead of scolding and criticizing the children, parents should instead talk to them about it, explain to them why a particular action is wrong on their part and that they should not repeat it. Scolding, being aggressive with the children - these are some things that parents should completely avoid as they can have an adverse effect on a child's psyche.
Secure Relationships...
Build a healthy relationship with your child. Provide him a secure family environment where love, trust, support and encouragement are visible in each and every interaction. Be the perfect role models to your child as he is watching, observing and incorporating your each and every habit. Researches have shown that the kind of relationship a child sees between his parents, he looks for similar one for himself in adulthood. So, if you and your partner are loving, the child will learn how to create nurturing relationships himself, in the future.
A Loving Family...
A touch is very important in building relationships. So, hug your child, kiss him and embrace him, to show that you truly love him. Also, take out some "family time" every day and eat together, while discussing how the day went for everyone. This will also give you an opportunity to assess whether your child is facing any kind of problems in school or how he is faring, in terms of his relationships with his peers and teachers.
The Art of Giving...
Teach your child to be "giving". You can do this by taking him to an NGO and involving him in doing something for the have-nots of the society. Let him join some charity too and help him raise funds for it. If you want to keep things simple, get him a pet or keep a potted plant on his bedroom window sill and make it his responsibility to take care of it. These are some ways in which you can teach your child not to be individualistic and self-centric, but to help others, do something for fellow beings, animals and plants, without any kind of expectation. As true happiness lies in "giving", your child will become happy from within, while caring for and nurturing, those around him.
Balancing Life...
Finding a balance in life is very important. Children should be taught this, right in the beginning itself. Parents should see to it that it is not just academics which children are involved in, but in all other activities as well, like sports, singing, dance, drama, reading, exercising, etc. Children should also be taught that their worth is not dependent on how well they are doing academically. If they are creative, helping and loving, they are as good as any distinction holder.
Finding New Passions...
Children are said to be naturally creative. So, if you want to really see them happy, provide them a creative outlet, by introducing them to either singing, writing, sports, or any other creative activity. If children are passionate about something in their life, they are much more likely to remain stress-free. This will make them happy and relaxed adults.
A Fit Body...
Healthy children are happy children. So, provide your child with healthy meals, which are preferably cooked at home. Suggest healthy food choices to your children. For instance, instead of sodas, ask him to drink low fat milk, instead of pizzas, give him fresh fruits to eat. Make most of his diet from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. If healthy eating habits are inculcated from childhood itself, it is much more likely that they are carried right through adulthood, thus keeping a person disease-free and happy.

As you can see, there are no fixed ways and rules with regards to how to raise happy children. Good parenting is all about being positive, giving time to your child, supporting him, being there for him and involving him in all kinds of activities which enhance his creativity, natural goodness, knowledge and intelligence.

Foods that Make you Happy

You had a bad day at the office, or had a fight with your spouse and are having a bad day? What to do? You have tried all means of entertainment also, no result. Most people also turn to food for comfort, in times of depression. Yes it's true, some super foods have the properties of antidepressants. But it's very important to know which are the foods that make you happy.

If you have a balanced diet, you are going to have good body and a good mood. But sometimes we need something more, a little extra comfort. Stress, quarrels and negativity in life, to a large extent, can actually depress you. Well, there are certain special foods that can cheer you up in this time of depression. Nutritionists have long proposed a direct relation between food and mood. Medical research also indicates that foods in our diet influences behavior, mood and overall well-being. So let's have a look at some high energy foods that make you happy.

10 Foods that Make You Happy

Chocolate
One of my favorite anti-stress foods. I think everyone in this world loves chocolates. People are just looking for excuses to have a bite. Chocolates contain anadamine, a chemical that makes us cheerful. Scientists believe that other components in chocolate help anadamine to stay longer in the brain. The sugar content boosts our levels of glucose and endorphins (another hormone which makes us happy). Don't have chocolate in excess though.

Salmon
Salmon fish is a sea of omega-3 essential fatty acids which are regarded as one of the top antidepressants in the world. No one is quite sure how it works. But according to a recent research it has been found out that, people who consume omega-3 fatty acids daily, are always in a good mood than others. Other fish which have similar effects like salmon are mackerel, eel, and tuna. All of these are also known to fight symptoms of depression, persistent pessimism and erectile dysfunction.

Bananas
I have always heard the phrase the "mighty banana" from my mother and trust me, it is. Banana has tryptophan, a protein when consumed is converted into serotonin by the body. Most of us know that serotonin is directly associated with cheerfulness. Bananas also contains carbohydrates and high levels of potassium which are good for our body. Health experts believe that banana is one of the most healthiest foods. So, include a banana in your daily diet.

Rice, Bread, Noodles or Pasta
Carbohydrates, a favorite with many. Following all these low carb diets will make you thin, but trust me they are going to pull the life out of you. Eating carbohydrates increases serotonin levels in our body which has a calming effect. Choose healthier carbohydrates like brown rice, noodles, wheat bread and vegetables. These are some of the few healthy foods that fill you up.

Bake Potato
Heat one of these high energy potatoes and it will improve your concentration to a high extent. Have baked potato with salsa and low sodium salt. This is a great snack before going for a heavy workout. It gives you the energy that lasts.

Beans and Soybeans
Beans are filled with soluble fiber, folic acid and omega-3 fats, these three ingredients work best to make your mood cheerful. Beans are also an excellent source of iron and calcium which increases the number of blood cells in the body. Soy products contain genistein which helps in preventing prostate and breast cancer. You can also have soy milk and taho, they are also excellent sources of fiber which keep you healthy and happy.

Fresh Peas
Yes fresh green peas are also one of the healthy foods that make you happy. Peas contain high amounts of folate, a nutrient which helps body to produce serotonin. You can buy fresh frozen peas for your food, but avoid the canned ones as they have a minimal quantity of nutrients left. Peas are very easily included in salads and various other gravies.

Milk or Skim Milk
Milk and milk products are rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is needed by our brain to develop serotonin which helps us stay calm and cheerful. Milk also contains antioxidants, vitamin D and vitamin B12 that helps us brain to fight stress and old age. You can also go for skimmed milk, it makes you happy and is rich in calcium.

Spinach
It's Popeye's favorite food. So, if you want to be strong and powerful like Popeye, have spinach. It is rich in folic acid which helps body to make serotonin which gives your body a feel good factor. Most kids don't like it but it's very necessary that spinach becomes a part of their diet. Eat a cup of cooked spinach to help you feel strong and full of positivity to face the world.

Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are also well-known stress busters. Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals (toxins) which keep moving in our body. These free radicals cause us to age faster and harm our internal organs. Blueberries are packed with fiber which aids in good digestion. Some scientists also believe that blueberries and strawberries also prevent cancer.

So, these were some of the healthy foods that make you happy. If you really want to find healthy foods that keep you happy, then you must stop focusing on junk food and eat such healthy foods that enlighten your mind and make your day bright. Believe me, the above mentioned foods can cheer you up. Just add them to your daily diet and you will see the effects in a short span of time. 

Why Music Makes You Happy

  

Music Makes You Happy

 

Music is found everywhere, in the whistle of the winds or the rustle of the leaves; in the clouds, in the rain, everywhere in nature! Be it from any source, music does make you feel good. It refreshes your mind and makes you happy. Owing to its benefits on overall health, it is even used in treating ailments. Exposure to music in any way, either playing it or even watching someone play can make you feel happy and excited.

Music is Bliss

Many a time, a certain piece of music or a particular song makes you happy because of the memories associated with it. It's the melody or the lyrics you can very well connect to and that's what makes you happy. Similarly, your interest in a particular genre of music or your skill in playing music can be the reasons behind your happiness derived from it. What type of music makes you happy depends on your interest or expertise in one of its forms. However, what brings happiness to everyone alike, is any form of good music. The blend of melody, rhythm and lyrics in music forms the basis of why music makes you happy.

Melody and Sound
Be it of any kid, pop, dance, gospel, rock, or blues; the melody is one factor that gives immense pleasure to the ears as well as to the heart. A good example here, would be of 'The Final Countdown'. Its powerful keyboard riff creates a kind of energy in the air. Now think of a singer you like for his/her melodious voice, or think of an instrument whose tone captivates you. There's something in their tonal quality, their sound that gives you pleasure. Now consider a piece of music that pleases the heart. There's something in the musical notes, the way in which they are arranged and played, it's the magic of the composition that pours melody into music. Anything that's 'music to your ears', is melodious music and that makes you happy!

Lyrics
Music gives happiness when the lyrics of a song are encouraging. For instance, gospel music which is characterized by its inspiring words. Remember the chorus of the Van Halen song 'Dreams'. We'll get higher and higher, straight up we'll climb, we'll get higher and higher, leave it all behind. These powerful words motivate you along with the tune and the way in which they are recited or sung. There are many such songs written or composed in such a way, that you derive inspiration from them; they have the power to ward off all the blues and motivate you to start life anew.

Rhythm and Beats
What makes you dance in joy on listening to music? Well the thumping rhythm and beats give you the enthusiasm to dance and dance gives you more joy. For instance, Madonna's 'Into The Groove' has good synth bass beats that gets you in a dancing mood. And that is why songs like these are played in discotheques and dance parties. They give you the high, they give you great joy. Listening to these foot-tapping numbers, you can't help shake a leg! Beats create excitement, they increase your heart beats. No wonder you feel excited and happy on listening to such rhythmic numbers.

Now let us look at what happens in the brain when we listen to music.

Effects of Music on the Brain

Research says, that listening to music stimulates the production of dopamine in the brain. The brain reacts similarly to the sight of delicious food or anything that looks/sounds interesting. Dopamine is released even when a person just thinks of a musical piece he loves to listen to. Dopamine makes us feel motivated. This chemical binds to the dopamine receptors, and contributes to generating a feeling of happiness. This chemical is released in different areas of the brain. When a person listens to good music, more blood flows to these parts and to the nerve endings which release this chemical. It is observed that good music relaxes and opens up the endothelium of blood vessels, while listening to bad music closes the endothelium, leading to stress and mental fatigue. This is how deeply music affects the mind and brain.

Instrumental, soft and melodic tunes relax the brain and make you happy. Energetic music and fast beats make you feel excited and positive. Interestingly, both forms of music; be they numbers that make you dance, songs that make you sing to their tune, or soft musical pieces that relax your mind, all of them give you happiness. So, the next time you feel happy on listening to music, celebrate the strength it has, the strength to take you miles away to a different world where you can lose yourself to this beautiful form of art...music. 

Love Quotes by Shakespeare

Since time immemorial writers and poets have tried to capture the essence of the beautiful feeling of love in words. Love quotes or love poems are always a source of joy for those who are in love as well as those who wish to experience the beautiful feeling. Reading beautiful love quotes and poetry verses often brings a smile to our face thinking about how someone can describe our feelings and emotions with such ease and precision. When it comes to love quotes and love poems, what better option than quotes and verses written by Shakespeare, to describe this beautiful feeling of love? Here are some beautiful love quotes by Shakespeare, the creator of one of the most memorable love stories...

I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand, which I love so well.

Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.

They do not love that do not show their love. The course of true love never did run smooth. Love is a familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love.

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.

Parting is such bittersweet sorrow that I should say goodnight until it be 'morrow.

When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.

Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt

So dear I love him that with him, all deaths I could endure. Without him, live no life.

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs

As soon go kindle fire with snow, as seek to quench the fire of love with words.

Ay me! for aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth;
But either it was different in blood...

No sooner met but they looked; no sooner looked but they loved; no sooner loved but they sighed; no sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason; no sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy.