The Simple Things In Life Can Make The Difference

Now that we are adults, we all are busy doing our own things and never find time to do things for ourselves. Let's face it, we work hard all day, everyday- whether it be slaving away in a 2 hour lecture at school, or the normal, yet tiring 9-5 or even better, the  crazy 12 hr 5 days on 5 days off shift work. It's kinda sad to see but we work to live, but in order to live life... we have to enjoy. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean that we go out and binge drink, hit the clubs and spend an obscene amount of money, wake up with an empty wallet, missing I.D and a huge headache- some of us, really dont have the time or energy to do that every weekend. 

I came across this list... its simple! I mean, thats how we want our lives to be, right? So take time read this and try to apply 1 or 2 of these to your daily routine. Who knows... maybe something as little and simple as smiling at someone you pass by on the way to work.. can not only make their day, but make yours, too.

 Simple Pleasures. Once something becomes familiar, we stop paying attention to it - even if it's pleasurable. Ever had a piece of chocolate that tasted gorgeous, but then you didn't notice the rest of the bar disappearing down your throat? Start making a note of the simple things that bring you pleasure as you notice them. This way, you heighten the experience and focus on the positive feelings they inspire.

 Random Kindness. Positive psychologists have found that one of the most effective strategies to lift people from depression is for them to help others. As social beings, we're hardwired to get a reward of feelgood hormones in return for a positive act towards others. It's easy to forget this in the day-to-day chaos of life, but if you set yourself the goal of performing an act of random kindness for the benefit of a stranger, it will leave you feeling better about yourself for hours.

 Count chimneys. It sounds odd, but it's harder to feel unhappy while you're looking up. Obviously, don't do this when there's a danger you could fall down a manhole, but otherwise give yourself an incentive to look up. There's a reason for the saying "you're looking down" when someone seems unhappy. Try it - and things will really look up.

 Three Gifts. At the end of each day, just before bed, look back and bring to mind three good things that happened that day. They don't have to be big things - just hearing a bird sing or a chat with a friend. Then write them down. This primes your brain to look for the positives each day, knowing you'll be looking for them in the evening. By turning towards the positives, it diminishes your attention on the negatives.

 Do it Today. Procrastination reduces our sense of well-being, while taking action increases our feelings of being in control. The more control we feel we have in our life, the more positive we feel about it. Don't say "that needs doing", say "I'm doing it!"

 Share a Smile. Happiness reflects back on us. The smile might come from a moment of humour, or it could just be from something shared. Getting people to smile is really easy - but look around you and notice people not doing it. Researchers have found that our expressions cause us to feel the way we look - so smiling increases our happiness whatever our prevailing mood, and sharing our smile makes it even stronger.

 Three Thank-yous. Find three situations that you can say thank you for. Not just everyday pleasantries of "please" and "thank you", but opportunities to express real gratitude for things that people do for you. Take a moment, make eye contact if they are present and thank them. It's called a positive stroke. We like getting them and we like giving them.

 Positive consumerism. Much is made of retail therapy, but it's often a short-lived fix. When you're next looking for a present for somebody, buy them something that would give them an experience, rather than just an object. It's even better if it's a shared experience. Presents will wear out, but a memory can last a lifetime.

 Give - without expecting to receive. It doesn't matter what you give - your time, your money, your attention - but see how much better you feel when you simply look for opportunities to give to people, without wanting anything back. Wheter in your personal or professional life, it can transform the way people see you, and how you feel about yourself. Voluntarily serving others is a proven way of improving your well-being.

 Give yourself time. We're often too busy to look after ourselves properly, but most people feel a real boots by focusing on what pleases them. Set aside 30 minutes, at least once a week, when everyone else comes second (pretend you're a teenager) and you focus on something that brings you pleasure. Too much pursuit of pleasure soon brings diminishing returns, but get the balance right and it will a precious part of a happy life.

via http://www.lollaloves.com