Sunday 20 May 2012

Here is a collection of ideas (from numerous sources) to help in the pursuit of well-being:

Fun stuff you mightn’t have thought about . . . .
1.         Keep a gratitude journal 
People who keep a gratitude journal, who each night before going to sleep write at least five things for which they are grateful, big things or little things, are happier, more optimistic, more successful, more likely to achieve their goals, physically healthier - it actually strengthens our immune system.
2.         Laugh more – take time to see the funny side
Health benefits of laughter are far-ranging:  studies so far have shown that laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity
3.         Play to your strengths
Unhappy people spend a disproportionate amount of their time on aspects of their life that are not their ‘signature strengths’ at the expense of those that are.  What are your ‘signature strengths’?
4.         Practice random acts of kindness
Surprisingly, the benefits for the giver are even greater than for the receiver – it’s worth trying.
5.         Give something back – find a cause
Committing to someone or something greater than yourself makes a real difference – try it!

Doesn’t sound like fun – but just as important. . .
6.         Improve your sleep – keep a diary to record your sleep (to help improve quality and quantity)
More people die on the road every year due to sleep-deficit than drink-driving.  If you don’t get your fill of sleep you are starting your day at a severe disadvantage.
7.         Eat smarter – graze more, eat less sugar.  Keep your sugar ‘spikes’ to a minimum.
Sugar ‘spikes’ result in the brain instructing the pancreas to secrete insulin – which leads to a sugar ‘trough’.  These highs and lows impact your well-being (they also make it harder to keep unwanted pounds away).
8.        Exercise every day – just walk more?
Three times a week for 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise (walking or aerobics or dancing) is equivalent to some of our most powerful psychiatric drugs in dealing with depression or sadness or anxiety
9.         Be positive, sensibly optimistic - remember Henry Ford
 “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right”
10.       Reflect / Meditate – switch off for 5 minutes, just be
Whether you pursue  meditation or relaxation techniques, the benefits are well researched and documented

Links to related research/advice:


3.      http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx  
 
[see the questionnaire on VIA Survey of Character Strengths)








Monday 7 May 2012

Top five regrets of the dying

The top five regrets of the dying

A palliative nurse has recorded the top five regrets of the dying:
 
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

"This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

"Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

"This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."

What's your greatest regret so far, and what will you set out to achieve or change before you die?

Must dash!

Here's a goodie (courtesy of someone who 'gets' happiness)

The Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak,
At the funeral of a Friend.
He referred to the dates on this tombstone,
From beginning ….to the end.
He noted that first, came his date of birth,
And spoke the following tears.
But he said what mattered most of all,
Was the dash in between those years.
For the dash represents,
All the time he spent alive on earth.
And how only those who loved him,
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters most is how we live and love,
And how we spend our dash …
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough,
To consider what is true and real.
And always try to understand,
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives,
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile …
Remembering that this special dash,
Might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read,
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
And how your spent your dash?    

Just One Thing

In this age of attention deficit, a One Minute insight is always welcome?

Risk Hanson wrote a book called



Just One Thing: Developing A Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time 


Here is a link to a YouTube piece in which he describes the practice of 'Being Glad' (there are lots more besides - let me know if you find one that really appeals to you)

Be Glad