DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY:)

 Remember that song?

Do you need more happiness in your life?  About a gazillion books, articles, podcasts, etc. have been written to give you advice about how to go about getting that.  This past year, I think, has taught us that our happiness can be snuffed out by things outside our control.  And if you listen to the news media much these days, it seems we hear more bad news than good...that the world (or at least our country) is spinning in the wrong direction.  Of course, if we dwell on that too much it can sap every ounce of happiness we can conjure up.  Many people have been in a state of depression and some still are due to all that has been happening around us.

I am trying to learn to find happiness in even the small things.  We don’t have to drown in stress and sadness...there are things we can do to turn our frowns upside down, big and little things that we can do to find the JOY in life that each of us needs. 

How about these little things?

*GET OUT IN NATURE

Take a walk...or a long hike if you are up to it.  Dig in the garden...and use those earthworms you find to go fishing.  Take your child, grandchild, or dog to the park or a playground...and play on the swings while you are there:)   Spending 30 minutes or more a week in green spaces can help lower blood pressure and depression, according to a 2016 study.

 

*FIND TIME TO BE WITH Y-O-U

Everybody needs some “me time.”  Take a bubble bath and lock the door!  Grab your favorite blanket, a good book, and your favorite candle...and dare anyone to bother you for the next 30 minutes (or more).  Go shopping...alone.  Cozy up with your favorite bowl of ice cream and watch a chick-flick.  (I suggest SWEET HOME ALABAMA or PRETTY WOMAN.)

*S-M-I-L-E

Simple...just turn that frown upside down.  Smiling causes our brain to release dopamine which makes us happier.  (Much cheaper than visiting the therapist!!)

 

*COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Be grateful.  Studies have shown that being grateful actually has health benefits and leads to a feeling of hope and happiness.  We can be thankful for the BIG things...like our families, our homes, our successes.  But there are SOOOO many “little” things we can find to be grateful for:  wildflowers along the side of the road, a rainbow, a good cup of coffee (or a bowl of ice cream which would be my choice), finding a penny on the ground.  The more we look for positive things in our lives, the more we will see them.

 

*EMBRACE RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness)

Research has shown that performing RAKs can help us feel happier and more satisfied with our lives...have you ever wondered who comes up with ideas to research things like this (or who pays for them)???  Thank the cashier for her service, compliment a co-worker on his spiffy bowtie or her new dress, bake cookies for the mailperson (trying to be politically correct here) or the trash collector, or send a friend a gift card anonymously (of course, this could drive them nuts trying to figure out who sent it:) 

 

Most of us could use a little more JOY and a few more SMILES in our lives.  Try some of these ideas...you might like them!

 

Wishing you so much HAPPINESS you “bust” at the seams!

Don't worry, be happy

In every life we have some trouble

When you worry you make it double

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy now!