20 WAYS TO BE HAPPY

Posted by Just Me

Society & News

May 16, 2011

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1. CHANGE YOUR THINKING
Live every day as if it is your last. People who have survived a terminal illness or accident, witnessed a tragedy or who have lost a loved one are said to have a different perspective on life. Many will say that they no longer leave anything until later. They travel now, learn a new skill now, contact a friend now. They know - and we should all remember - that there might not be a 'later'.

2. KEEP A JOURNAL
Write an ongoing list of the good things happen in your life every day. What was that lovely thing your daughter said to you the other day? You won't remember unless you write it down. Problems can be solved and bad things can be cleared from your thoughts by writing them down, too. Try it - it works!

3. GET SOME PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS.
Think about how you would like to be remembered and what you might tell your grandchildren about your life. Is it really that important that the sheets are changed weekly and the floors kept spotlessly? That meeting last year meant you missed your child's school concert does it matter now?

4. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
Wasting your energy by getting upset about life's many minor irritations is just not worth it. Smile and wave to the driver who won't you merge into his lane. He's rude and aggressive and it's his problem.

5. DO ANY UNPLEASANT OR DIFFICULT CHORES THAT NEED DOING.
Do them now. Procrastination drains your energy and burdens your mind. If you are thinking and worrying about something that needs to be done then you might as well be doing it.

6. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE.
Life can begin to seem like a bit of,' ., if we do the same thing day after day after day, week after week. We need to create interest in our lives, and to do new things. If you normally sleep in on a Sunday, the "sleep in" is no longer a treat by not get up early and have breakfast in the park? You'll beat the crowds and be heading home as they arrive. The day will seem much longer. (Or, for those who never get a "sleep in" arrange it somehow - what a luxury it is!)

7. HAVE A BIG CLEAR OUT AN DIVEST YOURSELF OF USELESS "STUFF"
Clothes unworn for a year, the dinner service you've always hated, kitchen utensils that are always in the way but never used, unused linen (you still have cot linen on the shelf and the "baby" is 6!), toys, books, furniture - give it all to a charity and you will have helped young families starting out, students, and the poor. The bonus is that your shelves and cupboards are clutter free. Housework is easier and your vision is clearer.

8. LEARN TO SAY NO.
You don't have to do it. Your life is already too busy and you are running from one thing to another, a jack of all trades and master of none. Give yourself some space to think an" time do something for yourself.

9. YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.
Remember to love your partner for who he or she is. Have they really changed so much? Or (think' about it!) might he/she actually be the same person that you fell in love with? The relationship might need some work - doesn't everything need some repair work or maintenance after a few years running - but the parts should still be in working order!

10. TELL YOUR PARTNER, FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT YOU LOVE THEM.
Tell them what you love about them. Tell them when they do things well. A little praise never hurts and before you know it you might be told that you've done things well, too. You never know...

11. ARE YOU ALWAYS A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON FOR TROUBLED FRIENDS?
It might be hard, but if their problems are beginning to affect you, then you need to try not to be quite so available all the time. They need to address their problems and move ahead.

12. PHONE, EMAIL EVEN WRITE TO SOME OLD FRIENDS.
    You've lost touch but it needn't be forever. And how long is it since you spoke to your best friends in college? They would love to hear from you.

13. GO TO THE BEACH.
    The long views, the wind, the waves, bare feet in the sand, sun on the back - there is nothing so goes for the soul.

14. BREATHE FRESH AIR
    Go outside or open the windows. " Breathe deeply to the bottom of your lags and stale air leave you.

15. GO FOR A WALK.
    This gentle exercise will renew and invigorate YOU physically and mentally on your first outing. Take it up regularly and you'll feel better everyday.

16. BUY A FUNNY VCD AND HAVE A GOOD LAUGH
    Old classic like "Three Stooges" or newer comedy fide "There's Something About Mary" would do the job. Have a try!

17. GIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
    Book a holiday, a night out, a massage.

18. INVITE FRIENDS OVER FOR DINNER.
    Get everyone to dress up, aims decorate the room and the table. Greet everyone with champagne or cocktails and have a music playing. Spend time thinking about and planning the menu, enjoy the shopping and cooking. People can't help but respond positively when you've gone to a lot of effort for them - the night will be good fun. And don't make the mistake of stressing out about cleaning the house beforehand - no one will even notice.

19. SMILE
Smiling is contagious - try it and see!

20. MAKE SOMEONE ELSE'S DAY HAPPIER
It may sound a bit corny, but why not? Start by suppressing the urge to blast your horn at the slow driver ahead. Or you could even make as positive a move as volunteering your time for a charity.