“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” -Psalm 118:24
When was the last time you counted your blessings? Just the other day I was sitting outside all by myself. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze was blowing as I began to write in my journal all the ways that God has blessed me over the past 2 years. I thought about how He’s brought me through tough times and helped me to really enjoy the great ones. It is so easy to complain when things don’t go the way we had hoped and planned, but that never does any good at all. I had to sit down, take the time, and FOCUS, but after writing down a list of things I am thankful for, I instantly felt happier! An“attitude of gratitude” helps you celebrate the good times and ‘get over’ the bad times. Life’s too short to be sad!Here are my top 5 tips to make your day a little happier!
When was the last time you counted your blessings? Just the other day I was sitting outside all by myself. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze was blowing as I began to write in my journal all the ways that God has blessed me over the past 2 years. I thought about how He’s brought me through tough times and helped me to really enjoy the great ones. It is so easy to complain when things don’t go the way we had hoped and planned, but that never does any good at all. I had to sit down, take the time, and FOCUS, but after writing down a list of things I am thankful for, I instantly felt happier! An“attitude of gratitude” helps you celebrate the good times and ‘get over’ the bad times. Life’s too short to be sad!Here are my top 5 tips to make your day a little happier!
- Be thankful– Want to put a smile on your face? Count your blessings! Sure, you may have had a really rough day at work… but at least you have a warm bed to come home to at the end of a long day. Maybe you’re cramming for exams and you wonder if you can even do it… but at least you get to go to college. There are always two ways to look at any situation. Be optimistic.Thinking about the positive (instead of the negative) helps you to feel happier instantly!
- Have fun– Life is what you make it! Do you want to have more fun? Have more fun! Go out with friends, make dinner from scratch, get coffee with a sibling, call a friend who lives far away… Don’t sit around wondering why you don’t have any plans– Make some plans! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Be brave! Be bold! Brainstorm some creative ideas and GO. HAVE. FUN.
- Be kind– This is SO important! A bad attitude creates tension and fights, but simply changing the tone of your voice and being a little sweeter and more gracious makes people want to do the same! Think back on your life and try to remember people who have made a positive lasting impression on you (teachers, parents, friends, coworkers). I bet they were kind. And remember to “Be kind to unkind people- They need it the most.” (Anonymous)
- Rest up– Sometimes people think I’m crazy because of how much I sleep. I’m a college girl and most of my friends love to stay up late. It’s not unusual for them to stay up until 2 AM! No thanks, NOT ME. We all know how irritable and cranky little kids can get when it’s past their bedtime. Well, adults who don’t get enough sleep feel more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted, too. Getting my ‘beauty sleep’ helps me to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
- Be active– I don’t know about you, but I instantly feel better after a long walk outside. I’m not one to go to the gym (I feel like a hamster on a wheel)… but that doesn’t mean I neglect my cardio– Au contraire! When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which help reduce the perception of pain. A brisk walk can boost your self-esteem and ward off anxiety and depression. I know I instantly feel happier and more ‘sane’ after going for a walk. It helps me clear my head and focus! Hello Happy Life!
How about you? What are your tips to a happier life?
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