1. Practice being grateful
Being consciously grateful is essential to a happy life.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude has been linked to better health, sounder
sleep, less anxiety and depression, higher long-term satisfaction with life and
kinder behavior toward others, including romantic partners. Take a moment to
think about what you are grateful for today. Having trouble? Start small- a
roof over your head, blankets when it’s cold, clean water, access to fresh
food, the clothes on your back. These blessings may seem insubstantial, but
they are blessings nonetheless. There are millions of people around the world
that don’t have one, or even all, of these things.
2. Create morning routines
Come up with a morning ritual that will help you get your
day started in a positive way. Instead of waking up and running out of the
house to work, allow yourself some time to take in the morning and prepare for
the day ahead- even if you have nothing more planned than binge watching tv.
Have a cup of warm water with lemon, stretch, take a probiotic, meditate, rub
oil onto your skin- whatever makes you feel good and gets you going.
3. Do something kind for someone else
There have been so many studies that have proved that giving
to others makes us happy, and even happier than giving to ourselves. What’s
more, our kindness creates a virtuous cycle that promotes lasting happiness and
altruism. Give out compliments, smile often and acknowledge others, buy someone
a coffee, help an elderly person carry their groceries to their car. One thing
I really like to do is take 10 one dollar bills out of the ATM each month and give
the money to someone that really needs it. There are opportunities to be kind
and give to others all around you every day!
4. Embrace the now
Allow yourself to fully live in the moment and appreciate
the little things that make up your life. Smell the smells, hear the sounds,
feel the love.....just be present and mindful. Instead of living on repeat,
take your time and pay attention as you go throughout your day.
5. Get moving
Exercising is obviously essential to our health but it is
also proven to be a mood enhancer and to fight off illness. Yoga, Pilates and
barre classes are great option. But if you are trying to save money or just
can't find the time or energy to do a class, not to fret. There are so many
classes of all lengths and levels of difficulty that you can find online and on
YouTube that you can do right at home. Whether it be for an hour or 15 minutes,
be sure to do something active 3-5 per week. You will feel strong and healthy
and confident, guaranteed.
6. Find your confidence
Tell yourself something you love about yourself every day
whether it be physically, mentally, intellectually or regarding your talents.
Be kind to yourself! Don't beat yourself down or say negative things to
yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion as you would a
stranger. You wouldn't tell a stranger that they are overweight or a failure or
whatever it might be, so don't even think about saying it to yourself!
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