I am aware of the goings on of the economy and wider world but I have a feeling that it was ever thus. But since our ancestors did not have television and internet, life probably seemed less overwhelming for them. I am going to share three ways that can make your life better that do not cost money and, as a bonus, create more happiness in the world.
Why not try these three things to put you in a good mood today:
Be grateful: gratitude is powerful and infectious. Somehow if you are grateful for, say, the glass of water sitting next to you or the food in your fridge, the birds singing in the garden or the shoes on your feet, then youll find that you notice many other things to be grateful for.It is infectious in a good way.
Be in nature: humans always lived in and around nature (before we built large towerblocks, concrete pavements/ sidewalks and mega motorways/ highways).Our ancestors walked outside on grassland or soil and as a result were more connected to the earth than we generally are. There is now considerable research showing that you thrive when grounded, as it were. So get out into nature, ideally in leather-soled shoes or bare feet. Hug a tree it is really refreshing.
Be you: many magazines and television programs give you all manner of ideas of how you can look like a celebrity, look younger or look anything other than yourself.Why is this? I think this is destructive since you are you and are wonderfully made. It is far more positive to celebrate being you than constantly want to be someone else.A friend noted, would you be willing to put you back in the bag and get a new you out of the bag, bearing in mind that you may be someone else who is less fortunate than yourself? The answer is always a no, so quit moaning! Direct but an interesting point, dont you think?
I would also add that being grateful is a habit, and a negative default pattern is remarkably common. Simply by starting to be grateful for your lunch, comfy bed or sunshine, for example, youll notice that there are many more things to be grateful for.
Try it, what do you have to lose? Will you be grateful? The results may surprise you.
Joanna Runcimann set up Actual Organics to serve those wanting to make positive changes to improve their overall health, wellness and happiness. In the winter Joanna skis most of the time and works when she is not skiing. Find out more about how to take care of your physical and emotional health at FitnessGoop.com, which supplied this column.
