A YouGov poll commissioned by Action for Happiness, shows that 87% of people would prefer to live in the happiest country rather than one with the greatest wealth, and it seems that Australia is indeed quite the happy nation. In fact, Australians are more satisfied with their lives than the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) average, and this is no doubt a reflection of our healthy culture.

With the United Nations International Day of Happiness occurring on March 20th, 2015, it is the perfect reason to take part in various activities and boost the happiness factor in our lives.

Over 11 million of us participate in physical activity, which we know releases those ‘euphoric chemicals,’ endorphins, that keeps us feeling positive.

Want that runner’s high? Here are a few activities you can participate in this International Day of Happiness:

FEEL THE RHYTHM

It’s true what they say, anyone can dance! Dancing is a fun way to get moving and can be done anywhere, even on your kitchen “dance-floor”!
You’ll increase your muscular strength, confidence and get that heart pumping by getting your groove on. For those of you with two left feet, dancing increases your balance. So give it a go anyway, you have nothing to lose!

MORE THE MERRIER 

Doing exercise with friends makes it a lot less daunting and a lot more fun! If the thought of fitness makes you run for the fire exit, maybe you should try group fitness classes. Whether it be motivating each other at a boxing class, or laughing at each other doing water aerobics, your friends are bound to get you moving. 

JUMP AROUND

Still bitter from the days where that kid next door had a trampoline and you didn’t?  Well, the Aussie classic is back, but this time bigger and better! Bringing fun to the masses is Flip Out, your local trampolining arena. The health benefits of jumping, far outweigh those of running, according to the folk at NASA.  And above all, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face releasing plenty of those aforementioned endorphins.

TEAMING UP

Team sports for all ages are another fun way to get moving this International Day of Happiness. Footy, soccer and cricket - Australians love their sport. Join a team or get your friends to the local field to have a day of healthy competition in the sun. Team sports help you work on your leadership and cooperation skills, not to mention being part of a happier team environment. 

ROLL, ROLL, ROLL!

Tired of your usual fitness regime? Rollerblading is an oldie but a goodie for exercise and fun. Great for kids and the whole family, it helps to build balance and muscle by rolling around. Rollerblading is an excellent excuse to get outside and it’s hilarious to watch your friends fall over! No? Just me then.






Flip Out™ Trampoline Arena is Australia's first & largest trampoline playground. The first location opened in Western Sydney only eighteen months ago, and Flip Out now has 15 sites across the country.   Flip Out endeavours to give children and adults healthy and fun experiences through trampolining, ball games, ninja classes, agility training, party packages and other highly enjoyable and unique activities.

For more information on Flip Out visit http://flipout.net.au/ or call 1300 354 768.

Full Plate Less Weight takes you on a step by step, guided program to help you lose weight without the use of harsh dieting.

Authored by Ray Kelly who has 15 years experience in the fitness industry, he has helped athletes around the world and has trained two of the winners on The Biggest Loser.    

There are some really tasty and healthy recipes in this book which are quite easy and simple to make, this is important to me, as I’m very lazy in the kitchen!

The book is in 4 parts - Thinking like a Winner, Eating like a Winner, Training like a Winner and Winning Tips.

It starts off with training your brain to think differently and setting realistic goals, there is an array of health information in Part One, even if you aren’t overweight, if you’re not eating right and having trouble controlling your stress levels, you’re health is going to suffer, such as PCOS and high blood pressure.   Ray helps to get you in the right frame of mind.

Part Two teaches you all about calories, which I really didn’t know anything about before and informs you all about carbs, proteins, fats and what different food labels mean. I found this really interesting as there seems to be alot of confusion in the fitness industry over carbs and fats and sometimes you're left wondering about what you should be eating, Ray explains all of this in an easy to understand way.  Emotional eating is also explained, which is something a lot of us do.   Meal plans are included and some beautiful recipes which don’t need a lot of weird ingredients, just healthy ingredients you can find anywhere.
I love all of the recipes, particularly the protein boost eggs and cucumber salad with pear and citrus dressing.   

Part three is all about exercise including strength, resistance, cardio.   It eases you into it,  no need to feel like you’e trying to run a marathon and suits all levels of fitness.

Part 4 helps you put it all together, including diaries and meal planners.   

I think this is a great motivational book if you’re trying to lose weight or get your health back on track in a sensible, safe and tasty manner.  

You can click on this link to purchase Full Plate Less Weight