By Ashley Smith
Women are often guilty of putting their own needs last. While mothers are especially prone to the me-last mentality, we’re all guilty of it. However, putting you at the bottom of the list comes with a price. If you don’t look out for your own health and wellbeing, how much help can you offer to others you love?
Every woman should be happy; life should make you feel joy. Yes, life will hand us all sorrow, failures and challenges, but we can find happiness within the little moments. And finding that happiness and embracing positivity may impact your life and your health…for the better. According to research conducted by Laura Kubzansky, an associate professor of society, human development, and health at Harvard University’s TH Chan School of Public Health, “emotional vitality” and a positive outlook may decrease a person’s risk for heart disease.
Some people, however, are just naturally positive and upbeat, while others lean toward the pessimistic side of life. So how do we change our outlook and embrace happiness and positivity? The right answer is different for every individual. Some may find that talking to a professional counselor may help their outlook, but others may just try to work on their thought process solo.
While you might not be able to completely turn your lemons into lemonade, you may be able to add a little sugar to the sour! Here are a few ways to infuse a sweet drop of happiness to your day:
1. Take first place
For once, put you first! Take the last piece of candy. Go out and buy a treat…maybe it’s a new item or lunch. After your first place day, try to make an effort every day to do something to make you happy. If that means taking the first shower or ensuring enough time to put an outfit together…do it.
2. Meditate
Meditation helps you relax, cope with stress and find your center. There are many ways to meditate, and while some require formal training, more basic meditations can be learned online. Meditation offers many benefits, and some research shows that the practice may even help the brain.
3. Be mindful
Mindfulness means appreciating the here and now...and being present in the moment. While meditation helps us learn to be mindful, true mindfulness is simply a way of living. When you’re concentrating, the outside noise doesn’t overwhelm the beauty of the moment. Anyone can learn to be mindful.
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4. Say yes to pampering
Find time to indulge in a bit of unrushed pampering. Schedule a spa day at home. Add some scented oils or bath bombs to warm running water and soak away the stress and rush of the day. To amp up the relaxation and the pampering bliss, buy a bouquet of flowers for fragrant ambience. Stalks of lavender will soothe and calm but all flowers will add fresh oxygen to the air.
5. Say no to extras
Many of us say yes when we want to say no. Understand that you don’t have to commit to every request. Saying ‘no’ when you don’t want to say yes.
6. Read!
A good book takes us to another place. When we’re reading, we forget about our worries and focus on the story instead. Go on a literary staycation, and pick up a good book.
7. Take a tech break
Our devices run—and sometimes ruin—our day. Don’t you get sick of the tech tether? Take time away from your device…and especially from social media. Instead, pick up the phone and call a friend.
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8. Color
Did you pack away the crayons after elementary school? Go buy a new box and an adult coloring book! There’s a reason why coloring books for adults are en vogue…when you’re focused on coloring, you’re not thinking about your worries. Plus, is there anything better than the smell of new crayons?
9. Go outside
Run, walk…whatever. Beauty is everywhere in the outdoors. Enjoy it, surround yourself with nature. And bask in the endorphin rush of exercise, too!
10. Get enough sleep
According the National Sleep Foundation, adults should clock between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Turn in early to ensue you’re getting enough shut-eye and aren’t waking up on the wrong side of the bed!
Happiness makes our days brighter…and may even help our health. Try to do something every day that helps you embrace happiness. While there are no perfect days or perfect people, there can be perfect happiness.
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