HAPPINESS TIPS
FOLLOW THE CROWD: Look in local magazines, newspapers or search on-line for charity events to volunteer for or to attend. See what local communities, churches, organizations are planning. Ask friends, colleagues and neighbors what they’re doing, you might get some fun ideas. Then, make sure you attend at least one holiday event or gathering to help enjoy the spirit of the season. Besides, studies show that socializing is one of the top ways to get happy.
COME TO YOUR SENSES: Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. By stimulating one or more of our senses, we’re bound to feel a boost. Bite into some dark chocolate, for example. Dark chocolate releases serotonin, a surefire mood enhancer. Experts say music makes a wonderful difference in our mood (humming works too). Dab on a little cologne or scented lotion. Buy yourself (or someone else) some flowers. A Rutgers University study shows that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS – LITERALLY: Number a sheet of paper from 1 to 100. Challenge yourself to write 100 things you’re grateful for. A UCLA study shows that regular gratitude helps us feel better. Participants who consciously counted their blessings and wrote them down once a week, boosted their life satisfaction over a period of six weeks, compared with a control group that kept not journals and showed no gain.
GO FOR THE SMILE: Give the gift of giving. Donate often-overlooked items like books, magazines, toiletries, and health and beauty products, to a shelter, senior home, school or other facility where it would be appreciated. “Re-gift” for a good cause. Donate a present you’ve received but didn’t find use for. Buy extra when shopping for other gifts, to put into your donation basket. Give to others and watch the gift of joy you get in return.
Lauren Hudson is an Emmy Award winning Television News Reporter. After being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, she founded the International Happiness network, sharing information and inspiration to all 7 continents. Lauren now speaks to audiences world-wide. For more information, or to join the Happiness Network visit: www.OperationHappiness.com
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