When is the last time you have been really happy? Like “laugh out loud” happy. Just because you are an adult have you gotten so serious that you’ve lost your sense of humor, play and fun? You were put on this earth to be happy and feel good, and if that is not happening for you, then it’s time for a do-over. Time to seek out what truly makes you happy and then go after it! So let’s start building a case for why you need to activate your happiness factor.
If you are happy your physical health improves and you live longer. Here’s what The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley says about why being happy is so important to your wellbeing.
Lowers risk of heart disease and blood pressure and reduces heart rate
Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) so you are better able to deflect stress and not let it get to you
Combats disease and disability and you have fewer aches and pains
·Improves immunity so you are less likely to get sick and, if you do, you have fewer symptoms
And from Dr. James D. Baird, author of Happiness Genes, Happiness can alter your genes! The emerging science of EPIGENETICS reveals there are reserves of natural happiness within your DNA that can be controlled by you, by your emotions, beliefs and behavioral choices. Yes you are in charge of your own happiness and if you activate it, your wellbeing improves.
But wait – there’s more! If you live a healthy lifestyle you will be rewarded with the release of Happy Hormones.
Serotonin – regulates mood, prevents depression, makes you feel happy
Endorphins – makes you feel good, reduces anxiety and sensitivity to pain
Dopamine – makes you feel mentally alert
Are you impressed with these benefits of being happy? And you can achieve this with NO DRUGS! So as you face your future, arm yourself with “happiness” so whatever you choose to pursue, you will be ready, willing, able and “happy” to do it.
Let me help you get started by sharing my 10-Step Prescription for a Happier Life.
Mindfulness. Being in the moment allows you to correct any negative situation right on the spot and shift your thinking toward positivity.
Connect socially. This is a great time to join new groups and expand your circle of friends. And try to find “happy” people while you’re at it!
Exercise daily. This is a great stress reliever and provides that endorphin rush which is one of those happy hormones.
Balance your blood sugar by eating frequent small meals of organic, mostly raw, low glycemic foods and healthy fats like coconut oil and avocado. YUM!
Practice forgiveness. Free yourself from past grudges. After all, the person you hold a grudge against may not even know you are carrying around all that angst, so guess who suffers? YOU – not them. Let it go.
Practice loving yourself. Be selfish and put yourself first (finally) and ease up on that caretaker role that always puts you second. This is your time to shine!
Pursue goals that excite you, bring you joy, reveal your true gifts and make you want to get up every morning in anticipation of having fun.
Surround yourself with positive people so you can catch the wave.
Live a life of meaning and purpose. Hopefully you have already done this in your career, but if not now is the time to regroup, go out there and set the world on fire!
Start every day with a happy practice. Write down 3 things you will do during the day that will make you happy, and your days will be filled with joy.
Now it is your turn to take action on what will make you happy. Which one, or more will you select and how will you put it into action? Or maybe you already have adopted a life of happiness so we would love to hear what you are doing and what difference that has made in your life. Please share your thoughts!
Be well on your journey toward happiness!
Carol