~ Make your bed every morning. It will start your day off right. Naval Admiral William McRaven, commander of US Special Operations, said this at a commencement speech: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.”
~ Try a little kindness. We've always found a little kindness goes a long way! Smile at people and say hello. Answer your phone with a smile in your voice. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a long time, just to say hello. Hold a door for a stranger.
~ Take a break. We’re all tied to our desks, our phones, our cars. So, take a break. Exercise is proven to increase happiness. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes, get away from the rat race by stepping outside and taking a short walk.
~ Expand your mind. Go to the library. Visit a museum and marvel at art or an interesting exhibit. Learn something new by enrolling in a class or taking lessons in something you’ve always wanted to do.
~ Share yourself with others. Mentor. Volunteer. Spend time with little kids, elders, animals. You'll be happy you did!
~ Treat yourself to something healthy or colorful. Get a massage. Buy yourself some flowers. Those little pick-me-ups often have long-lasting effects.
~ Address your basic physical needs every day. This is crucial to maintaining a happy mind and body. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods and keep your body moving and flexible.
~ Make a conscious effort to unplug. Turn off your cell phone for a few hours. It won’t kill you! Don’t watch or listen to the news and for a little while, just forget about all the worldwide drama. Instead, meditate or just sit quietly, listen to music, have an uninterrupted conversation, engage in a game of backgammon, cook and share a delicious meal, read a good book, play with your dog or cat.
~ Watch a funny movie or classic comedy routine. Laughter truly is the best medicine!
~ Approach every day as a new day. Remember at any time, you can start your day over. When something upsetting happens, ask yourself, “How important is it?” Rather than letting it build up or “sit in your craw,” put it into perspective, shake it off and move on.
