I am by no means an expert in happiness. I do try pretty damn hard every day to learn how to find, create and share happiness though. . . and trust me, it’s not always easy. I lose my temper, I make mistakes with my time and with who I chose to share it with, I let unhealthy noise and news in. I even get frustrated with people who ask for my advice but then never act on it and complain later that things aren’t working out they way they had hoped. But that doesn’t mean I give up.
These tips are some that have/are helping me. They may not work for you, but I sure hope they make you pause and think of ways you can invest in yourself everyday. We each have to find our own inner peace and balance.
1. Sleep
You heard me. Go to bed and REST. Your body and your mind need it. There is no badge of honor for killing yourself to live up to unrealistic 24/7 lifestyle of GO GO GO and GIVE GIVE GIVE. Get the T.V. (and any other distraction) out of your bedroom. Create a sanctuary of sleep so that you can properly recharge. Even though I am usually up by 4 a.m., I am also usually asleep by 8:30 or 9 p.m.
2. Drink Water
I know, I know. How the hell does water make you happy. . . well, put that damn can of soda down. It’s not only making you sick – it’s killing you. We are made up of 60% water. . . water.
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water
- Water: Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs
- 10 Life-Changing Reasons to Drink More Water
3. Turn off that tech!
It seems as though we are constantly connected via our mobile devices. There is an unfortunate expectation that when your phone rings, a text is sent or a social update is posted that you should respond. Immediately. Now, aside from business – you deserve time off. Time to relax with your family, to take time for yourself and your hobbies.
- Leveraging Down Time to Grow Your Bottom Line Goals
- 5 Tips to Taking a Healing Holiday
- 6 Ways to Simplify Your Social Media Routine
4. Protect your boundaries
Seems simple enough right? WRONG. I can tell you honestly that in learning to protect my boundaries over the years I have pissed quite a few folks off. Family, friends and clients alike. When you run your self ragged trying to be everything to everyone 24/7 you can easily wear yourself down to a snarling animal when it comes to protecting what little time you carve out for yourself each day. My solution to this? See #5. Now, I am not one to offer false apologies to people who blatantly disrespect me and my time, lie to me and then expect me to bend over backwards to help them when it’s convenient for them . . . and often expect that help for free. Fuck that.
- 7 Ways to Protect Your Energy & Enforce Healthy Boundaries
- How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Every Relationship
- 7 Tips for Setting Boundaries At Work
- A Little Lesson in Respecting the Inbox
5. Say NO more often
For years I struggled to keep up with everyone who needed expected my time and attention (and I still do occasionally). It has caused me more angst, grief, pain and panic attacks that I can possibly describe. Saying yes to the wrong people often meant that I was disappointing someone else. I am one person. I make mistakes. It took some hard lessons, but I have finally found my peace in saying no. Saying no has allowed me the freedom to say YES to the right people and opportunities.
I would add to this one thing. Saying no is often one of the hardest things you can do. Especially to friends and family. I offer this advice . . . if you need time for yourself – to think, heal and find forgiveness, say no. Those who love and understand will give you the space that you need. Also don’t allow yourself to be bullied into relationships with people who are toxic to your well being.
“Dysfunctional behavior is damaging, no matter the source. It is your human right (and responsibility) to live and thrive in peace and happiness without being abused or mistreated.” – Jai Stone
- LOVE THIS >>> Emotional Nudity: Say ‘No’ to Dysfunctional Family Drama
- 7 Simple Ways To Say “No”
- 10 Guilt-Free Strategies for Saying No
- 7 Tips for saying NO
6. Deal with your disappointments
This one is not always easy. In fact, dealing with disappointments can be painful, infuriating and downright depressing. I have found in the last couple of years that dealing with my disappointments as they come to me helps me deal with them in a more productive and healthy way. I must remind you that learning healthy ways to deal with disappointment is a life long learning process.
7. Say thank you
I wanted to save the best tip for last. Make time each day to say thank you to the people who inspire, encourage and help you become a better person. Whether it is a handwritten note, a private message or a phone call.
Expressing your gratitude has a two fold benefit.
One is for you. Starting or ending your day with a few minutes of gratitude will do wonders for your life. It keeps you focused on the people who are helping you become a better person every day. This one act alone can help beat depression’s ass. The other benefit is that saying thank you lets each person know that you value them and their time. A hand written note, message or phone call will stand out and act as a reminder that they are a treasured part of your life.
- How to Write an Unforgettable Thank-You Note – Entrepreneur
- How To Write a Charming Thank You Note – Southern Living
- Writing a Thank You Note – Daily Writing Tips
