Last year, an article published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed a correlation between longevity and positive feelings in the diaries of a group of nuns. Those who lived the longest expressed the most joy about life. I've been paying very close attention to the people around me, family, friends, grocery checkers, my children's teachers, etc...there is a big difference in health, happiness and quality of life in people that try to focus on the positive. This is certainly not a new concept, just one I've set my sights upon. There have been times in my own life that it felt like happiness and joy were just out of my reach. I was focused on why I wasn't happy; therefore, I wasn't. I try to focus on things that do make me happy and blessings in my life instead of what DOESN'T please me. I'm letting those unpleasing things have less importance. Miraculously or maybe not so much, they have less power over my happiness.
I've compiled a list of some things I do or would like to do that promote joy and happiness. Feel free to join me!
1. Pray. It doesn't matter why, just pray. There's no special or right way to pray. I pray at red lights, I pray in the shower, I pray on the treadmill. It puts me in an attitude of thankfulness which only promotes my joy.
2. Hug. Hug your children, hug your spouse, hug your parents, hug your friends. Hugs can relieve pain and depression. Hugs can make the healthy happier.
3. Go outside. Fresh air boosts your mood.
4. Exercise. Release those natural mood elevators.
5. Cede. Be the first to relent in an argument. Acknowledge the other person's viewpoint.
6. Pet a pup or scratch a kitty. Pets relieve our stress.
7. Go to bed earlier. An extra hour of sleep can brighten your outlook.
8. Volunteer. Give your time to build someone's future. volunteermatch.org
9. Buy something beautiful for yourself; a piece of art or handmade vase. Display it in your home and admire it often.
10. Take lessons. Hobbies are fun and relieve stress.
11. Add some green. Plants are proven mood enhancers.
12. Create a new recipe. Discover your creativity.
13. Care for yourself. Brush your hair 100 strokes, use a face mask, give yourself a manicure. The ritual is relaxing.
14. Write a letter. Use your best stationery.
15. See a funny movie and laugh out loud!
16. Give gifts. When you give to others, the world seems more generous.
17. Sing in your car. Put on your favorite CD that you know all the words to and sing!
18. Be silly. My kids and I take pictures of each other making silly faces. It's fun and we all end up giggling.
19. Bake cookies and take them to work.
20. Play with your children. Swing with them, play tag with them, slide down the slide.
Make your own list and enjoy your life! Peace~
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