5 Happiness Helps

Ran across this in my surfing time, read it, and kinda liked it!  so I thought I'd share.......

FIVE WAYS TO HELP YOU BE HAPPIER

     1. Move around!

     According to many psychologists, motion creates an emotion in all of us. You might notice that when you are idle, it is easier to become depressed. Your heart rate slows, less oxygen travels to the brain and the air flow from your mouth to your lungs slows. The challenge for you today is to get up right now, no matter how you are feeling, and walk around at a fast pace. Even jumping up and down will help. It all may sound a little silly, but the results speak for themselves.

     Try it now and tell me it doesn't work like magic.  

ok, ok, I walked to the mailbox, something I usually get the kids to do.  Not a bad start, for someone who doesn't like the HOT weather or exercising! But I do feel it put my mind in a new place!  Kudos!

     2. Smell the Roses!

     So... How do you do THAT exactly? Well, there are many ways. Invest some money into a trip that you've been dreaming about for some time. Visit a country with lots of exotic places to jolt your imagination and spur your creativity. Human beings, especially women, need to detach from their daily activities and venture out a little bit into the big world.

Does WalMart count?  How about WalMart in another town? I remember my father saying 'let's go see a man about a horse'  OR  'let's go to Mike's place',  I get it now!  Although we never saw a horse or met a man named Mike, it was a great chance to 'get out' and go somewhere, for him - it was driving around for hours looking a property.  For me, it's the same, just throw in a shopping stop or two, and I'm good!

     3. Get Some Good Company...

     A lot of working women or stay-at-home moms develop a nice network of acquaintances but most of us only have a few true friends. This isn't because you're an introvert but rather because women, on a whole, can be very selective about who enters our universe. Once you develop a close group of friends who you can call, use that telephone or pop by their place when you are feeling down. Ask their advice or their input. While their suggestions may be helpful, putting your issues into will make you feel better.

true, so true!  I do know many many people, but the number of 'true' friendships are few. I thought it was just me, whew!.....i may be more normal than I thought! ok, one for the week to work on, 'phone a friend'.

     4. Help Others With Their Issues...

     When you help others cope with problems in their own lives, it can be very therapeutic. You usually end up engrossed in the situation and you will be surprised at how many people's problems are worse than those you may be facing.  When you are down, DON'T curl up in bed and let your depression and stress take over. Get out of your house and help somebody. There are many charitable organizations that could use a helping hand right now. There are usually soup kitchens or shelters in your nearest city that accept volunteer assistance for things like making beds, serving meals, etc. Helping somebody else can be one of the best de-stressors in the world.

yes!, it has been said....'if you want to lift yourself, you must first lift another!'  it works!!, this I already know.

     5. Laugh, Laugh, Laugh!

     We've all heard that laughter is a good internal medicine. It relieves tension and loosens the muscle and will cause your blood to flow to the heart and brain. More importantly, laughter will release a chemical to your body that rids the body of pains. So if you are sitting at home thinking that you could use a good dose of belly-shaking laughter, what are you waiting for? Go out to a comedy club with your friends or rent some really funny movies. So, whether you are at work or at home, there are many ways to relieve stress and simplify your life.

One of the favorite things my almost six year old and I do, is to start out fake laughing really hard, and in a matter of seconds, we are laughing at each other, the kind of laughter that breeds on itself.  It's great fun, we just ache, but enjoy it dearly!