Cultivating Happiness
I frequently get asked about my tips for being happy. It is a really important topic.
It's a matter of our quality of life. I am a firm believer that you really need to work to achieve it happiness. But, the job doesn't end because need to keep working to sustain it. It doesn't just naturally happen to most people, especially, when life is determined to throw things at you like you're standing in a batting cage without any baseball gear.
SO HERE ARE A FEW BASIC TIPS TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH YOUR DAYS:
1. Don't underestimate the power of music. Like Bob Marley once said, "One good thing about music is when it hits you feel no pain." I completely agree. Think of music as a pre-game and your day is the party. Find the songs that make you feel happy or confident. Start your day with it and let it be your anthem for whatever you decide to do for that day. Team Gypset is really big on "I Don't Like It" by Flo Rida and of course the classic, "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers (Stay tuned for Caitlin's personal pump up playlist!). Not sure why but we can't help but to dance, singing, and laugh to it.
2. Take moments for yourself. I know this seems like a simple one, but how often do you just get away from your desk or whatever you're doing and take a breather? Take a step back. Now, breathe. It's a moment to be in control of yourself. No one is going to tell you to stop what you are doing and allow yourself to breathe. This doesn't mean you have to have a deep meditation practice but many studies have shown that breath is your built-in stress reliever. You have to choose to use it. It's so important because throughout the day, we end up becoming society's version of us rather than who we decided we wanted to be when we woke up. Breathe. Go home to yourself. Breathe. Resume.
3. Keep a happy scent. Sense memory is actually a very powerful thing.For me, lavender and rose water reminds me of both Paris, as well tea parties with my friends in NYC. I try to keep bottles of it in my bag. Whenever I start to feel a funk coming on, I just spritz a bit on my hair, face, or just in the air. It's an instant pick me up. The smell of peppermint and lemon have been shown to fight the blues. If you don't have one, try one of those.
4. Look up and talk to people. I talk to random strangers literally all day everyday. I find so much joy out of it. I bet you'll find one of two things: 1) your problems aren't so unmanageable after all or 2) that there are a lot of incredible people in the world. Knowing that you can find a connection with another person at any random time is a beautiful thing. You aren't as alone as you may have felt.
5. Gratitude. I used to hate when people were said "just be grateful and life will be great." I was wrong. When we can put on our "grateful glasses" life is better. Being grateful doesn't mean life is perfect but the majority of us have family, friends, a place to live, the ability to afford a morning coffee even if it is from McDonald's. We need to remember that or life will swallow us whole. Appreciate a smile you get from a stranger on the street or running into a friend during an errand. It's a small blessing that you both happened to be there at the right time. The small things can be a wonder in life.
6. Get out and move. I love to dance, skate, surf, and box. Just get physical because your body carries your stress. It's hard to release without moving. The best thing is to choose an activity you like and what is works for you.
7. On the note of physical, get physical. People who have sex regularly are happier people. Even if you aren't in the mood, get over it and do it. Yeah, I said it. Whatever! Trust me, the mood will kick in when you start essential if you revisit tip one. Make a playlist that makes you feel sexy.
8. Finally, get some Vitamin D. Seasonal depression is hard. It's important to make sure you are getting your body what the weather isn't currently giving you. Stay on top of all your supplements. I know there are an assortment of UV lights that you can buy to help. When I lived in Boston, I would attach the light to my treadmill.
Let us know if any of these tips and tricks help or if you have some happy hacks of your own.
By: Rachael Forster via CouturedonBleu.com