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)
[see the questionnaire on VIA Survey of Character Strengths)
9.
http://www.stress-relief-tools.com/positive-attitude-tips.html
http://www.paperchainnetwork.net/images/40.pdf
http://www.paperchainnetwork.net/images/40.pdf
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