10 Things to Do for a Happier You

What kind of day, week, month, or life are you having?  Are you excited to get out of bed in the morning or are you still struggling after your third cup of coffee?  If you're nodding your head, so am I.  I've been in both places.

When life is great, how can we make it better?  When we're not feeling "on top of our game", how do we find the energy to even care?  It seems that our natural instinct is to curl up in bed or hide in the house.  Well, GET OVER IT!  Get up!  Get dressed!  Get moving!!!

That seemed pretty harsh, didn't it?  I only say it because I've been there and I care.

I'm not saying that it's not permissible to have a moment or to have a pity party.  We are allowed to have them.  Just as we are allowed to celebrate.  The problem comes when we turn the party into wallowing or celebrating into gloating.

I'm not a doctor, nutritionist, therapist, or anything like that but I am a person who has found that the following ideas helped get me back into the game of life:

1. Get Busy.  Get moving.
2. Schedule more "ME" time in your monthly planner.
3. List 10 things you appreciate.
4. Write down all the "to do" items filling your thoughts.
5. Look at your diet.  Are you eating foods that are healthy or are you eating a lot of prepared, highly preserved foods?
6. Check in with your doctor.  Are you due for your annual physical?
7. Take a good look at the people around you.  Are they positive influences or do you find yourself drained and more depressed after a visit?
8. Set some daily goals: Shower, Get dressed (sweats don't count!), Make the bed, Open the curtains, Go for a walk.  These are attainable and all will give a sense of accomplishment allowing you to do a little more each day.
9. Talk back to the negative thoughts in your mind.  You are good, kind, creative person!
10. Adopt a pet from the humane society, ASPCA, or other shelter.

Sadness is not the same as depression.  Treat yourself kindly and allow mistakes to happen.  Each tiny step forward distances us from whatever it is that is trying to keep us down.

How do you deal with life's ups and downs?  Do you enjoy the roller-coaster ride?  What do you do to motivate yourself?
 

P.S.,  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

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