To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.”
– Buddha
Hope you are all well? I know you are doing all you can to stay sane, happy and positive even though it can be so hard especially during hard times, give yourself a pat in the back for all you are doing no matter how small because it is not easy especially with all the sadness and negative energies in the world today, I recently lost a very good friend/sister of over 10 years, she passed away so suddenly and it was a huge blow to my chest, however, I have to try to be strong and positive.
Today's post will be about ways to stay happy and be in more control of your mood, actions and reaction to negativity and toxic people.
Happiness looks different for everyone. For you, it’s being at peace with who you are. Or having a secure circle of friends who accept you unconditionally. Or the freedom to pursue your deepest dreams.
Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfying life is within reach.
A few tweaks to your regular habits can help you get there.
1) Smile
You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street.
We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier, but that doesn’t mean you have to go around with a fake smile plastered on your face all the time. But the next time you find yourself feeling low, crack a smile and see what happens. Or try starting each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror.
2) Exercise
Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness. Even a small amount of physical activity can make a difference.
Consider these exercise starters:
Take a walk around the block every night after dinner.
Sign up for a beginner’s class in yoga or tai chi.
Start your day with 5 minutes of stretching. Here’s a set of stretches to get you started.
Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed, and try to do one of those activities.
3) Get Enough Sleep
Reserve the hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking, try to have a relaxing soak bath, add your favourite oil into the bathwater, light some candles (though not everyone has the time to do this ceremony with the candles) but still try to create a zen atmosphere and just enjoy the sound of the water swirling around while you are in it, flap your legs, visualise yourself swimming in an ocean of positive lights, inhale and exhale, visualize the dark and negative energy leaving your body into the water.
4) Showing Gratitude
Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost, among other benefits, I have realised that practising gratitude can have a significant impact on feelings of hope and happiness.
Start each day by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this while you’re brushing your teeth or just waiting for that snoozed alarm to go off.
As you go about your day, try to keep an eye out for pleasant things in your life. They can be big things, such as knowing that someone loves you and genuinely cares about you, that is enough to make you smile.
Things that make us smile could also be little things such as a co-worker who offered you a cup of coffee or the neighbour who waved to you, your child telling you they love you, friends telling you "You Matter". Maybe even just the warmth of the sun on your skin, always find a reason to smile.
With a little practice, you may even become more aware of all the positive things around you, I am no expert and I learn every day, sometimes in a week so much happens that try to knock me down, I have to be strong and look for the good in a bad situation and I know you can do this too.
5) Meditation
Meditation is essentially relaxation time, so it should be done entirely at your convenience. Choose a time when you know you are not likely to be disturbed and are free to relax and enjoy.
You’re tense, your shoulders are tight, and you feel as though you just might “lose it.” We all know that feeling right?
The next time you feel stressed or at your wit’s end, work through these steps:
Close your eyes. Try to envision a happy memory or a beautiful place.
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.
Slowly breathe out through your mouth or nose.
Repeat this process several times, until you start to feel yourself calm down.
If you’re having a hard time taking slow, deliberate breaths, try counting to 5 in your head with each inhale and exhale.
I hope these tips have been helpful in some way please share and leave a comment if you want to share your own thoughts about how to stay happy, positive and healthy.
