Get happy!
Most of my articles are related to body wellness but what about our mind? Without a healthy body and mind, are we truly healthy?
If you've ever been to one of my boot camps, you know they are high energy, great exercise and most importantly, they are fun. My personal goal at each class is to make sure that each participant gets a great workout and leaves in a better mood than they came in. I like to think I'm pretty successful at accomplishing this goal.
So, how does it work? I often get asked how I have so much energy and why I'm so happy all the time. I have the same pressures and stressors as everyone else. I have the same bills, I work, a lot, I have a house to clean, I've lost a parent to cancer, I have a child. I have laundry and dishes and just like you, I need to make time for myself, my family and my friends. And I am happy.
What is happiness? Webster's dictionary defines happiness as a state of well-being and contentment. Are you happy? If you aren't, why not? What is holding you back from being happy in your life and more importantly, why are you letting it hold you back? We should be realistic and know that everyone can't be happy all the time, but there are several things that you can start doing today to increase the general happiness in your life.
Eliminate unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. It's great to challenge yourself and push yourself to be all you can be but you also need to realize that you are only one person and you can't do it all yourself! Asking for help doesn't mean you're not capable of doing things on your own, it simply means you are human and maybe you can't do it all yourself today.
Get out there and live. There are so many wonderful and beautiful things and people in this world and they are just waiting for you. This doesn't mean you need to spend thousands of dollars to travel the world; it can be as simple as going for a walk and appreciating all the beauty that surrounds you in your own neighbourhood.
Try to avoid statements that contain the words "shoulda," "coulda," "woulda." If you shoulda done something, then do it. If you wish you woulda done something, what's stopping you. Do things now! You only get one life. Don't waste it wishing you had done things. Personally, I want my obituary to be an entire page long.
Quit complaining. We all know that person who never has anything good to say. Do you want to be that person? Not likely. Ask for advice, discuss your situation with people, but complaining about things won't get you anywhere, I assure you.
Exercise. Until science comes up with a body transplant surgery, this is the only body you get. Take care of it. Plus, exercise releases dopamine and serotonin which generate a feeling of well-being and create a more positive mood. Also, if you go to the gym, you will get to meet new people. This social interaction adds to our feelings of happiness. It's the reason that workout classes work well and why people go to the gym at the same time each day.
Life isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to always be hard either. Try a few things today to elevate your mood and start feeling happier. Every morning, in the shower, smile. Even if you have to force it, just smile. See the difference it will make in your mood for that day. Live every day like it was your last. There is a lot of happiness out there to be had, you just have to realize it. Many times we look at others people's lives and wish we had what they have. But who knows, maybe they are looking at you the same way. Start appreciating all the great things in your life today.
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
