What Do Happy People Do?

Last week I talked about three things happy people do, remember it was:

• They don’t dwell on the past
• They focus on the here and now
• They recharge

Believe it or not, there are 4 more things they do.  Have you every searched “things happy people do” on Google?  OMG!  There is a ton of stuff.  I have scanned a lot of it and it really comes down to just a few things said in a different ways.

So here are a few more things happy people do and those who aren’t happy 24/7 don’t do:

#4. They don’t spend time with toxic people

We all have had or have people in our life who are toxic.  The ones who say things behind your back. Or are constantly putting you down.  Maybe they promise to change but it just never happens?  Being around people like this over a long period of time, will bring you down. Happy people don’t let this happen.  They quickly recognize a toxic person when they see one. Me, not so quickly.

Here are some tips to help you recognize a toxic person, and what to do about it:

• Notice when someone puts you down. Are the words they use positive or not. Body language can also tell you how someone feels about you. Don’t feel good around them? Gradually close them off.
• Notice when someone constantly cancels on you (leaving you feeling bummed)  If someone doesn’t want to spend time with you, and they are constantly cancelling on you, it might be time to direct your energy into something or someone else.
• Be aware of those who take advantage of your kind nature. I’m happy just going along with things most of the time but some people will use you for it.
• Don’t let people take advantage of your generosity – whether it’s time or money, don’t let people take advantage of you.  It is okay to say no. What’s the worst that can happen?
• Spend time with those who make you feel cherished, valued and happy

#5. They value their self-worth

We are all human, so at some point in our life, we are going to have negative thoughts about ourselves. Happy people control these thoughts, or at least recognize when their self-worth is low. They know the moments will pass, and at the end of the day, they are just thoughts.

When your mind starts to wander to thoughts of low self-worth, or doubting yourself, spend time focusing on the good stuff. REMIND yourself of the great things you’ve done, or take yourself away to a happy moment in your life.  Being happy is all about choosing to be happy. Lacking in self-worth can be controlled just as easily as controlling your thoughts.

#6. They keep things simple

How have you felt after you cleared out your closet, or tossed/donated items you didn’t need anymore? Awesome, right? That’s the beauty of keeping things simple. “Clutter in the house clutters the mind”

“It is simple to be happy, but it is difficult to be simple”.

Our lives are complicated and busy.  I don’t know about you but I long for things how they used to be.   So how do we keep things simple? Here are a few ideas:

• Toss old stuff away. If you haven’t used it in the last 6 months, are you ever going to need it, really?
• Keep some time in your schedule clear – you deserve some time off
• You don’t need to be busy to feel validated. Being busy and being productive are two very different things
• Looking for a solution, and can’t find it right away, come back to it tomorrow. Obsessing over things for long periods is not going to get you a solution.

#7. They smile often

Yes, smiling makes people happy. When you smile, your face lights up. When you’re on the phone and you’re smiling, your demeanour changes.  EVERYONE looks and feels better when they smile.  Happy people tend to smile more. Consider this quote from Scientific American:

“It would appear the way we feel emotions isn’t just restricted to our brain—there are parts of our bodies which help to reinforce the feelings we’re having,” says Michael Lewis, a co-author of the study.

Our emotions can be affected by our physical body, too. Feeling down, stressing – SMILE!  It might just do you a bit of good, and help you improve your mood (even just temporarily).

Are you a happy person 24/7 or do you strive for it?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

De-Stress Your Mind and Body

“Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first, and then we can give from our surplus, our abundance.”           Jennifer Louden

Happy Friday!  This isn’t just any Friday.  It is the Friday of a holiday weekend.  For many, it will be the kickoff to 3 days of family, fun and sun.  For some, they will use this time to relax and recharge while others will think of the million things that need to get done.

Yup, I am the one who pushes myself.  For years, I didn’t seem to have an off switch.  I mean to be successful you need to work hard, right?  I am learning that self-care is important for me to reach my BIG goals.  Sometimes I think the latest round of health challenges was the wake up call that I needed so I had no choice but to nurture and heal myself.

It can be tough finding time to practice self-care, we all need to nurture ourselves—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally.  Here are some tips that you can start to practice this weekend…

1. Take ownership.

Take personal responsibility for your wellness. We need to form and maintain healthy habits that enable us to thrive. No one else can do this for us.

2. Commit.

It wasn’t until the brain fog, the chronic tiredness along with the aches and pains set in was I willing to make a commitment.  It was when I was unable to do the things that I loved that realized the many things that I took for granted.  Identify the self-care practices that help you function at your best—meditation, short walks, getting out in nature; anything that helps you recharge physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Then schedule these activities into your day.  Start with just 10-minutes a day so it isn’t so overwhelming.

3. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the foundation of self-care, because we’re only able to identify our needs when we’re present in our bodies. Mindfulness also nourishes our spirit by rooting us in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, we become engaged with our surroundings.  Meditation is a great way to get a sense of calm, peace, and balance.

4. Take breaks for deep breathing.

I always thought this was crazy BUT taking regular mini breathing breaks throughout my day helps me to connect my mind, body, and spirit. Believe it or not, a few deep breaths during the day also energizes me.

When you breathe in, feel the gratitude for your life.  When you breathe out, et go of all the unnecessary demands that you place on yourself.

5. Nourish your spirit.

This could be getting outside and enjoying nature—a leisurely walk at sunrise or sunset, a swim in the ocean, or even just stepping outside into the fresh air and stopping to acknowledge how truly miraculous the world is. It is the simplest of acts that will fill your spirit with light.

6. Beware the “busy life.”

We are all BUSY.  Some believe it is a sign of success. How successful are you when you are stressed, exhausted, physically and mentally depleted, and missing out on opportunities for joy in your daily life?  I am trying to set boundaries so I am not using being too busy as an excuse for living a beautiful life.

7. Keep it simple.

It is only when we slow down that we’re able to recognize all the chaos that can fill our world. Keeping life simple is now a priority.  Where can you simplify or scale back? Where are you creating unnecessary stress or drama in your life?  When I keep it simple, I am open to accepting more love, laughter, joy, and happiness into my world.

8. Recognize and eliminate energy drains.

Who and what drains your energy?   What habits, activities, or relationships aren’t healthy for you? What, if eliminated, would provide a huge sense of relief?  When you are exhausted, and your energy is depleted, you need to learn to manage and replenish your energy—mind, body, and spirit—so that you can recover quickly.

You are worthy of self-love and self-care every day. We all are. For every positive choice we make, we support our mind, body, and spirit. Self-care fuels us with the strength and energy we need to achieve all of our dreams.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!