Five Daily Habits
That Can Make Us More Positive and Happy People
Courtesy of www.dumblittleman.com
1) Reduce negativity. This is much easier
said than done because negativity is literally everywhere. The evening news,
reality T.V. shows, violent movies, aggressive drivers, coworkers complaining,
listening to people waiting in line at Walmart..
The list goes on and on. So how do we reduce these things which are a large part of most people’s lives? Simple. Take a break from them. Each day, we simply remove one negative influence from our daily routine. Turn off the T.V. early, avoid talking to your friend who only wants to complain about their spouse, or walk to the store instead of driving.
2) Give unconditionally. This can be one of the most powerful and emotionally uplifting things one person can do for another.
Consider the following actions: Giving a homeless man our last $10 dollars because he needs it more than we do, letting a person cut in front of us in line at the supermarket because they are clearly having a rough day, or carrying an elderly person’s bags to their car because we see them struggling are all examples of unconditional giving.
We should ask ourselves to give this way at least once each day and no doubt we will find our lives improving dramatically.
3) Exercise. As much as we hear it already, exercise, particularly vigorous exercise, really is a cure all. Getting those muscles pumping and oxygen working through the body does wonders for our emotional and physical health.
If we aren’t exercising right now, we need to start. Exercise can be in the form of walking, jogging, cross training, or playing tennis. The key is to start moving your body.
We will feel better and look better and when those things happen, we will feel more confident, positive, and happy. That’s just a plain and simple fact.
4) Talk to strangers. Many of us walk around leery of other people. We form snap judgments about them and tend to avoid direct eye contact and/or conversation. Why? Because our negative society has taught us not to trust people.
But the reality is that 99% of the people we see every day are good, decent people.
So the next time we’re on an elevator with a stranger, let’s say hello and ask them how they are. And do it sincerely.
When we’re waiting in line at the grocery store, we can strike up a conversation with the person behind us. We will be amazed at how our whole being changes when we do this. There is opportunity for this everywhere and we won’t have to try hard to make this a daily habit.
5) Smile. This sounds very cliché, but it’s so true. Most of us find it hard to form a sincere smile upon making eye contact with someone. Maybe we give a quick nod or “hello”, but there is a great deal of power in offering a genuine smile.
We just may make someone’s day and will surely feel better ourselves as well. Making someone happier, even if it’s temporary, will have a profound effect on our own happiness.
My Viewpoints
1. Reduce Negativity – I have basically have followed all the
steps, but need to be more proactive of myself not spending too much time
talking about negativity.
2. Give Unconditionally – I felt that I already give and
sometimes go beyond my capability.
3. Exercise – I am taking daily walks (almost) and have taken
steps to renew my condo fitness membership (free with ownership) and will be
hitting the gym on March 10th for sure.
4. Talk to strangers - *SIGH* this is the area that I am most
uncomfortable about especially in large gatherings and mostly due to my
disability as it is more stressful and hard work just to listen.
5. Smile – I need to do that more often and all the time.
