Get Happy Today !

 

Happiness is a choice !

 

 

It can be learned and here are some ideas to help you get a jump start on getting out of a rut and seeing the world in a different place.  It is far too easy to pop a pill and feel better, but what happens when that pill doesn’t work anymore? Physical and emotional health are combined.

 

 

I’d rather look at the causes and find real solutions.  We, humans, were not meant to live in the industrial, fast paced world that we have created.  Poor countries actually are happier than industrialized ones (aside from basic needs of course). We have far more cases of depression than other developed countries.  But what happens when enough is never enough and too much becomes less?  Everyone is talking about simplify, but what does that mean in terms of creating happiness?

 

 

Here are some ideas starting with basics:

 

1. Eat foods that are alive, green and colorful, including lots of veggies, fruits and grains.  Give your body the best possible fuel.  Limit white flour, white rice, white potatoes, milk and meat. Industrial foods are filled with chemicals that are toxic and hard to digest. Eat lots of fresh herbs and garlic. Take Omega 3 Fish oil.  Poor diet creates insomnia, low self esteem, poor concentration and feelings of hopelessness.

 

2. Sleep well. Limit caffeine and alcohol.  Stop eating 3 hours before bedtime and don’t fall asleep with the TV on.  Prepare a bedtime ritual.  A nice hot soak in the tub, gentle reading, great sheets, and spray a soothing fragrance.  Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time.

 

3. Spend time in nature everyday without a phone or IPod. Direct sunlight gives us vitamins D&E. Engage all of your senses. Take your lunch break outside or in a sun drenched place. Open the car windows.  Bring fresh flowers to your desk or bedside.

 

4. Turn off the TV or wean off to only selected or educational shows.  Turn on your favorite music. Music naturally makes you feel better!  I love Pandora and am transported to a different country every time!  I love “French Café” and “Sutra Rhythms.”  TV is a downer and lowers your vibration, especially news and other’s drama.  Noise has huge effect on our feelings of well being.  Become aware of your environment. Choose joy and uplifting.

 

5. Give a Hug.  Get a massage.  We are a touch deprived culture.  Consider getting a massage on a regular basis.  Ask for a lower rate if come in on a regular basis.  Steaming, sauna and acupuncture are incorporated in many European lifestyles. These are not luxuries but necessities!

 

6. We are social creatures and need interaction.  Not on the phone or computer, get direct eye contact.  Isolation creates depression.  Stop by at a little shop you have been meaning to visit and strike up a conversation.  You will learn something new and maybe even make a new friend.  Smile at everyone.  We could all use a little happiness.  Do a random act of kindness.

 

7. Try gardening.  There are actually bacteria in the dirt that make us feel good!  Plus you are lovingly caring for something outside yourself and breathing all that wonderful “new” air. 

 

8.  Get a pet or love on someone else’s.  Animals give endless love and never talk back.  They appreciate a stroke and are soft and cuddly.

 

9. BREATH.  There are many videos to teach you long deep breathing.  Yoga is a great way to incorporate breathing, flexibility and gentle body movements.   This can easily been done at home.

 

10.  Use mantras, visualization and mediations to “teach” yourself to think positively.  Your self-talk is your best friend or worst enemy.  The good news it, you control it!  I put sticky notes on mirrors and my computer to help me remember my dreams and my power.  I have a vision board or poster filled with pictures and words that help me keep my “dream life” in focus. I am not a good mediator, but I do lye flat on the floor and focus on my breath and appreciating and loving each part of my body starting from my feet to my head.   I repeat mantras when I run or power walk outside.

 

Resolution Idea 2012- #10

 

 

Resolve to Downsize, Reduce Debt Fast and Gain Time !

 

 

Go to the dry cleaners every 2 or 3 months rather than 2 or 3 times a month

 

Wait until you have worn just about everything in your closet then go through what is left and decide if you really want to keep it.  Sort the pieces you are taking to the cleaners and decide if you really love them and want to keep them before you pay to clean them. Then find a bargain cleaner even if they are not just around the corner. Ask the owner for a volume discount.

 

Same with laundry, do it every 2 or 4 weeks. That will force you to wear everything in your drawers and will free you from constantly doing laundry. You will be surprised how much stuff you have that you really never wear because you don’t like it or it does fit.  It is far better to have a few pieces that make you feel good when you wear them, than piles of clothing you never wear. Donate it before it become out of fashion and no one wants it.  There are many who have far less than you and your kindness will brighten their day!

 

Think of this:  If you have 30 pairs of shoes, that means you will wear each pair just 12 times per year.  If you wear the same shoe more often, another pair will NEVER leave your closet!  Stop spending time, energy and money managing your stuff.  Go light and lean so you can focus on the fun things in life.

 

Resolution Idea 2012 – #9

 

Go Green – Go Automatic – Go Mobile 

 

Get all your bills and statements on line.  Get no paper mail. Saves time, stamps, and paper.  Everything you need to know about your finances are available on line.  No more filing, sorting mail or managing piles of papers.  Scan anything you need to save for taxes.  One small disk vs boxes of files.  It is important to have a system that works.  The less time you spend thinking about paying bills, the more time you will have to think about persuing other areas of your life.

 

Set up any regular monthly bill to be paid automatically.  You will never have to remember to pay, never get another late fee and have instant proof of payment.

 

Since I don’t get mail, it is easy to move to fun and exciting places and I don’t have the hassle of trying to keep track of my mail.  I do have a PO Box as a permanent address.

Resolution Idea – 2012 #8

 

Pick Up a Side Job Doing Something You Love

 

If you are really serious about getting out of debt,  adding more income and spending less is the fastest way.  They go together, just like diet and exercise. Each one works OK on their own, but combined, the whole process just speeds up.  Here again, the “new money” is not mixed with regular household bills, it goes directly toward debt.  Keep your debt on a chart and celebrate every payment you make reducing it.  Keep your goal and progress in front of you so that can see it reducing.  It won’t feel so overwhelming when you see the action you are taking to eliminate it.

 

Picking up a side job can be fun, not punishment, if it is something you love.  Think about your talents and what brings you joy -like pet sitting or dog walking, tutoring a child, help someone with computer skills, play music in a cafe, sell your art or closet organizing. If you are a parent and want to spend time with your family, think of jobs you can take in and do together, like babysitting.

 

If you love your work, you will never work a day in your life !

 

Tell all your friends what you are offering and put out flyers where your potential customers spend time.  I love books and people, so working in a traditonal book store or flower shop would be perfect. Make it convenient to where you live and commit to just a few nights or only Saturdays, for example. 

 

 

Chosing a job where you are tipped is the fastest way to make a lot of money.  Work in a highend hotel or restaurant and do your very best.  Parking cars, bell hop, waiting tables, bartending, cocktail waitor or concierge are all jobs where you can make a lot of quick cash, much more than an hourly wage. 

 

It is only temporay until things get under control.  Who knows, perhaps the new people you will meet will bring new opportunities into your life.  Take action and be an Opener of Doors !

 

 

Resolution Idea 2012 – #7

 

Practice the Gift of Exchange

 

The next thing you need to buy, figure out how to get it without spending money.  Get the book from the library or trade babysitting services with another parent friend.  If you don’t spend it, you don’t need to earn it.

 

Trade your talent for something you need. Wash and vacuum someone’s car in exchange for a massage. Do yard work  in exchange for your neighbor repairing the leaky faucet. Or perhaps a computer lesson or tutoring to their child. Everyone needs something and everyone has something to give. Give what you enjoy doing and it will be fun.  Barter for everything.

 

Even try a party dress exchange.  Everyone bring a fabulous party dress they have already ready worn and trade it with someone else.  You could do the same with shoes, bags, kids clothing/toys or other gently or never used items too. Everyone wins.

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