There's a lot written about happiness. You can pick up any number of books on the subject-Gretchen Rubin has created a whole brand around happiness- or you can read an unlimited supply of online articles. I've always been interested by the idea that you can make yourself happier, so I began to explore this a bit further. As I did, I noticed a trend among the healthy living blogs and websites. I love reading positive, uplifting content on the web because it just makes me feel good, ahem, happy. I really enjoy the site, Positively Positive. What's not to love about the tag line: Your Attitude+Your Choices=Your Life. Love that. When I'm reading Positively Positive or another lifestyle site like, Mind Body Green, for example, it's hard not to notice a common thread. 15 Tips for Public Speaking that Apply to Shining at Work and Just About Everywhere Else. 5 Ways to Become an Effective Parent. 4 Tips to Regain your Sanity. 10 Steps to Manifest Abundance. You get the picture. Can happiness, abundance, and wellness be this easy to achieve? Psychologically, there must be something to the numbers. Perhaps it's the suggestion that you can be confident and shine at work, manifest abundance, be more sane, etc. if you just master 4, 10, or 15 steps. It's kind of like the shiny lure bobbing just beneath the water's surface hoping to catch the fish; and even though I know it's not as easy as 1-2- 3, I have to admit I am a sucker for a cool picture that makes me want to go into a wheat field and practice yoga, and a headline that reads, "10 Tools for Everyday Happiness." I decided to give the tips a try.
These tips on how to feel good every day are pulled from the article here.
1. Meditate fifteen to thirty minutes per day. Plug into Source.
Me: I wish! I even downloaded a Meditation Helper App for my phone and a mindfulness bell. I know 15 minutes isn't a long time, but I just haven't found a way to make it work. My tip: Find 5 minutes to quiet your mind. (I like to find my 5 minutes sitting in the car just before I pick my son up from preschool.) If you can't quiet your mind, use those 5 minutes to think about what is good in your life and what you are grateful for. I feel bad when I can't manage 15 minutes of meditation. I feel good when I consistently do 5. Pick the time that works for you.
2. Set your intention for the day. What quality do you want to show up with today? (e.g. grace, courage, joy, self-acceptance…)
Me: Ooh, boy. This takes some serious mindfulness. I usually wake up to a dog that needs to go outside and a kid who wants me to make pancakes. My tip: If it works for you, great. I don't find it makes a difference.
3. EXERCISE! Run, walk, yoga, weights, Pilates…Get your motor running (minimum thirty minutes). Power up your endorphins. Train your body to recognize and imprint feeling good.
Me: Totally agree here. I feel bad when I don't make time to take care of my body. When I move, I feel better. Some days I have a crappy workout, which use to make me feel like I either wasted my time or should have worked out harder, but this tip reminds me that what matters is movement, not intensity. My tip: Make time to move in any way that works for your life. I love the idea of sweating it out in a high intensity spin class, but that's just not me. Even if your movement is taking the stairs at work and walking after dinner, just move.
4. Gratitude. First thing in the morning: Pray in gratitude for all your gifts. Be thankful for waking up with a healthy body and mind clear enough to do this exercise. Last thing at night: Review your day and all the good things that happened. Build your gratitude muscle and train your mind to focus on the good. (Are you alive? Do you have clean water? Do you live in a peaceful land?)
Me: I love this idea, but it's tough for me to be consistent either because hubby wants to watch a Walking Dead episode or it's Wednesday and American Idol is on. My tip: Put a notepad or journal by your bed and before you sleep write down your prayers and acknowledge what is good in your life. In the morning, before you get out of bed, say to yourself, "Thank you for this bed and this healthy body."
Me: I love this idea, but it's tough for me to be consistent either because hubby wants to watch a Walking Dead episode or it's Wednesday and American Idol is on. My tip: Put a notepad or journal by your bed and before you sleep write down your prayers and acknowledge what is good in your life. In the morning, before you get out of bed, say to yourself, "Thank you for this bed and this healthy body."
5. Listen to uplifting, inspirational speakers on your iPod, while you’re working out, driving, on the subway, etc. (e.g. Abraham Hicks, Ram Dass, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer). Be careful what you’re filling your head with. Choose nutritious brain food.
Me: These modern day gurus are very inspiring and choosing these folks over the Nightly News is definitely more uplifting, but do so with moderation. My tip: The internet makes accessing inspirational content easy. It can be easy to fall into the category of Spiritual Materialism or Self-help Junkie, when in truth, everything we seek is already within ourselves. There is merit to cutting out the negativity and replacing it with uplifting talks and reading, but don't let it replace your own intuition and voice inside.
Me: These modern day gurus are very inspiring and choosing these folks over the Nightly News is definitely more uplifting, but do so with moderation. My tip: The internet makes accessing inspirational content easy. It can be easy to fall into the category of Spiritual Materialism or Self-help Junkie, when in truth, everything we seek is already within ourselves. There is merit to cutting out the negativity and replacing it with uplifting talks and reading, but don't let it replace your own intuition and voice inside.
6. Drink a green vegetable juice. You know the deal. Alkalizing your body boosts your mood and immune system. Only good can come from this.
Me: As a Holistic Nutrition Specialist, drinking green is so good for you. But so is eating green. My tip: If green juice and green smoothies aren't your thing or aren't part of your routine just yet, eat them. A diet that is plant strong with whole grains and clean protein will have the same affect of boosting mood, increasing energy, and making you feel lighter and happier.
Me: As a Holistic Nutrition Specialist, drinking green is so good for you. But so is eating green. My tip: If green juice and green smoothies aren't your thing or aren't part of your routine just yet, eat them. A diet that is plant strong with whole grains and clean protein will have the same affect of boosting mood, increasing energy, and making you feel lighter and happier.
7. Sit quietly in the sun for a few minutes. Remember who you are. Bask.
Me: I'll do this when I'm practicing yoga in the wheat field! Kidding aside, I put this in the category of finding your 5 mindful minutes. My tip: Don't feel bad if you pass up the basking for standing around with your mommy friends while your kids play together at the park.
Me: I'll do this when I'm practicing yoga in the wheat field! Kidding aside, I put this in the category of finding your 5 mindful minutes. My tip: Don't feel bad if you pass up the basking for standing around with your mommy friends while your kids play together at the park.
8. Journal about your dreams, desires, the life you are creating. Think of journaling as turning on the faucet and letting your mind flush out. Dump any thoughts. Stream of consciousness. I like to think of this as skimming the pond scum off the surface layer of your mind.
Me: Yes. Yes. Yes. Skim the pond scum!
Me: Yes. Yes. Yes. Skim the pond scum!
9. Play great, uplifting music, sing along, dance! (The proven, fastest way to change your mood, open the heart, and free the mind, a.k.a. Bhakti Yoga.)
Me: Fact: Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" makes me want to move. My tip: Find the music that makes you want to do the same and then grab your kids or partner and sing out loud. It's silly. My kid and husband refuse to go along but they start smiling, and so will you.
Me: Fact: Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" makes me want to move. My tip: Find the music that makes you want to do the same and then grab your kids or partner and sing out loud. It's silly. My kid and husband refuse to go along but they start smiling, and so will you.
10. Reach out to a loved one or friend just to say hello or catch up.
Me: When we feel connected, our mood improves. There are days that go by where my only connection is saying "hi" to another parent at preschool drop off or pick up, so when I catch up with my girlfriends or have a play date with another mom, my mood and attitude totally improves. My tip: Lay off Facebook and schedule a date with a friend-in person or on the phone. Create standing dates so "where does the time fly" is never an excuse to connect.
My verdict: Of all the lists out there, I'd say this one is pretty legit, albeit with a few modifications. So what is your formula for adding more joy to your life? Did this list of feel good tips leave anything out?
Me: When we feel connected, our mood improves. There are days that go by where my only connection is saying "hi" to another parent at preschool drop off or pick up, so when I catch up with my girlfriends or have a play date with another mom, my mood and attitude totally improves. My tip: Lay off Facebook and schedule a date with a friend-in person or on the phone. Create standing dates so "where does the time fly" is never an excuse to connect.
My verdict: Of all the lists out there, I'd say this one is pretty legit, albeit with a few modifications. So what is your formula for adding more joy to your life? Did this list of feel good tips leave anything out?
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