Life Tip #1
Positive psychology, with its emphasis on "learned optimism", offers a great perspective about how to maximize joy and focus on theupbeat. If you're interested in positively altering your worldview, begin with these suggestions:
1. Invest in relationships: It's no mistake that this is "numero uno"on the list. Nurturing relationships are essential for emotionaland physical health, help you through difficult times, providelifelong support and comfort, and yes, joy.
2. Eliminate the idea of perfection- being human is hard enough! Give yourself a break and appreciate the things you do well and admire in yourself.
3. Happiness is a state of mind, not the state of one's bank account. While no one would extol the virtues of poverty, it IS true that money alone cannot buy happiness. Learn to view setbacks and difficulties as learning experiences, actually taking advantage of these situations.
4. Engage in work that is satisfying and meaningful. If this is notalways possible, give yourself "fun" breaks during the day and engagein relaxing and interesting leisure activities.
5. Shamelessly pursue joy! It's not accidental that the "pursuit of happiness" is written in the U.S. constitution as an inalienable right. Focus on the things that make you happy and do them. Talk the actual talk of feeling positive, optimistic and outgoing-ness because going through the motions can actually propel these emotions.
6. Energize and vitalize by exercising (releasing endorphins in thebrain really do increase feeling happy), eating healthy and not skimping on sleep. Embrace novelty and do something different whenever possible.
7. Organize and de-clutter your environment: Being in control of your time eliminates feeling overwhelmed and allows for the setting and attaining of goals. De-cluttering the home and work environment helps to simplify one's life.
8. Be helpful and grateful: Doing altruistic deeds does make you feel better about yourself and relieves mental and physical stress. Savort the wonderful, interesting and unusual people and events in your life.
9. Focus beyond "me": One's family, faith, community, etc. provide asense of higher purpose and satisfaction than constantly focusing ononeself.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Adriane Schuster, M.A. M.F.C.C.
Life/Business Coach
Copyright © 2007 Adriane Schuster All Rights Reserved
(If interested in re-printing this, or any other Tip, please contact me through "Comments").
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2 comments:
Dear Adriane:
Thanks for the great "tips",
For a while now I have been using your tips, whenever in "doubt" situations I let your "tips" guide me, and it works everytime !!!
Keep up the good work !!!
Nice idea to organize "get-togethers" for families. It is done with friends as "Hugim" where common ideas are nurtured. But one that you didn't mention is the very common support group consisting of, even strangers, who meet at a Shiva house. The problem is that after the seven days have passed, the mourner still needs support, and that is when all those well-wishers disappear. That is the time the losers need personal support most of all.
Shmuel
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