 Because “things turn out best for the people who make the best of how things turn out”, I have decided to repost one of my previous blogs. In today’s uncertain and scary times, when many of us:
I share with you this simple exercise. If done every day for 30 days, it can help change your outlook. I resend this blog with my wishes that you stay safe and healthy. I'll give you the steps so you become empowered to look at the world differently and feel the joy and contentment you deserve!
My challenge to you is based on the work of psychologist and happiness researcher, Shawn Achor. Surprising as it sounds, he says that it is possible to re-wire your brain to be happier. You don’t have to wear a smiley-face hat or tell funny jokes. Simply doing the following five activities daily can rewire your brain towards happiness. (I include my order to just give you some idea of fitting it into your day. You can organize it however it is convenient for you). 1. THINK OF THREE THINGS YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR I like to do this – out loud – in the morning when I get up. I encourage those around me to join in. It’s a good family tradition. 2. WRITE ABOUT A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FROM THE PAST 24 HOURS I do this in the evening. I keep a notebook on my nightstand. This simple activity has the amazing power of changing your entire mindset. You will comb through the day, tossing aside the negative and focusing on the positive. Guaranteed to make you smile. 3. EXERCISE (AT LEAST 20 MIN) I am a morning person, so I make time before breakfast to get in my exercise. Whether it is a brisk walk, time at the gym or climbing stairs, give yourself 20 minutes and increase your activity. I’m including four short videos of easy five-minute exercises on my website. Do all four in a day and you’ll have your 20 minutes! 4. MEDITATE (5-7 MIN) I find that meditating mid-afternoon works for me. No need to think mantras or posing cross-legged on the carpet. The simplest meditation can be sitting quietly listening to soothing music (no words) – and focusing on either the music, your breathing or a body scan from head-to-toe. If you want some guidance, I like the free app HEADSPACE, which you can use with your earphones while sitting at your desk. Meditation calms and centers, helping you focus and better handle whatever comes your way. 5. PERFORM ONE RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS All day every day is a good time for a random act of kindness. Performing a selfless act that helps, compliments or encourages someone has an amazing effect on all involved. You’ll enjoy every minute. To help get you started, I’ll post a list of suggestions on my website. Encourage everyone around you to get involved Please leave a note on one of the platforms below or comment on this blog post to let me know how you are doing.
Post some pictures of what you are grateful for and what makes you happy. I want to know how your random acts of kindness and writing about your positive experiences made you feel. Tell me about your time in meditation. And be sure to tell me when you start feeling like HAPPY is becoming a habit. Good luck! And get your camera ready – you’ll be finding yourself smiling a lot more. SHARE YOUR PROGRESS BY:
Don’t forget to include #makehappyahabit in your posts Loretta
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 Are you getting your family involved in the MAKE HAPPY A HABIT campaign? Start now and enjoy facing the challenge together, supporting each other, and sharing the good feelings that are guaranteed. If you’ve been hesitating to start your 30 days, let me remind you that as a parent, you are a role model. Whenever you are with your kids, they are watching and often copying everything you do. So… set an example, and start practicing every day to Make Happy A Habit. You’ll really enjoy it when you find yourself surrounded by people who are more positive, more optimistic and a lot more resilient. Here are the Five Simple Tasks to Do Every Day and How to Include Your Kids in the Process: SAY (OUT LOUD) THREE THINGS FOR WHICH YOU ARE GRATEFUL Do this in the morning when everyone wakes up, over breakfast, or when you take the kids to school. It puts all involved in a good mindset to face the day. WRITE DOWN ONE GOOD THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS This is especially good to do before going to sleep. It helps to have them think positive thoughts as they say good night. It is important to WRITE down the thoughts. Have the younger kids tell you about it so you can help them write simple words and even draw a picture. For the older ones, they can write just one sentence or and entire paragraph.  EXERCISE 20 MINUTES A DAY
You can best plan how this fits into your family’s day. Many kids will have a time on the playground or during PE at school. If at home, whoever is in charge should make exercise happen. If it’s raining, dance or do cheers in the family room. For you parents who are ‘too busy’ at work, you can divide it up into two 10-minute sessions. Walk up and down the stairs or jog around the parking lot at lunchtime. Be sure to tell the kids when you get home. MEDITATE AT LEAST 5 MINUTES A DAY Here is your ticket to relaxation and focus. Turn off your electronics, and turn on some wordless music. Focus on your breathing or the music. Or simply do a body scan. For very young kids you can merely sit in silence. Many experts recommend one minute of silence per year of age (up to 8) for kids. Just make time for quiet time. (You’re welcome…) PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS Simply be kind. Encourage the kids to help a neighbor, hold a door for someone, or even share their cookies. This kindness is especially satisfying because being considerate towards others inspires them to be kind to someone else. See – not too hard! Get your family involved, be a role model, and Make Happy a Habit! Loretta |
AuthorLoretta Saff, M.A., CPC, CPRC Categories
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