We all want to feel good, but we sometimes block ourselves with
unhealthy habits. Making a change to our lifestyle doesn't have to be
difficult or expensive. Here are seven easy ways to lighten up and
feel better.
Eat Right; Be Active - Repeat!
This simple formula is the most cost effective plan for good health.
You have to eat, so make your choices healthy ones. You have control
over what crosses your lips, so choose wisely. Remember, calories in,
calories out - make them balanced (and nutritious) if you want to
maintain your weight. If you want to lose weight, create a calorie
deficit. It's that simple. And move. It's what your body was designed
to do. The more you move, the more calories you use. The more muscle
mass you build, the more calories you burn at rest. Bottom line: eat
right; be active - and repeat!
Declutter
In my Feng Shui practice, I have seen a lot of clutter. My clients
often clean their homes before I arrive, thinking I won't find the
clutter. But if my client tells me s/he has a problem, I can always
trace it back to clutter. You cannot hide clutter from yourself
because as long as you know it is there, it is still taking its toll.
If you live with chaos, it adversely affects your health, work and
relationships. I know this sounds simplistic, but when you have to
walk around it, bend over it, step over it, see it, live with it, and
find ways to work around it, you are spending a lot of energy on
something that does not deserve it. Instead, face your clutter and
extract it from your life. You'll sleep better, experience increased
productivity, and think more clearly because there is nothing in your
way. Sell what you don't need, find a charity, or find your things a
new home on Freecycle (www.freecycle.com).
Give clutter the boot.
Smile
Use your smile to your advantage. If you doubt the power of a smile,
try this: Scowl when you stand in line at the post office or grocery
store, and see what kind of service you get. The next time, put a
smile on your face - and really feel that smile go all the way to your
eyes. Notice how differently people respond to you. A smile sets the
tone for positive reactions. Smiling is contagious and generates
positive energy, which in turn helps eliminate stress. What's more, a
smile is the beginning of laughter, which brings us to the next
suggestion…
Laugh
Find the humor in everything. Even at the saddest occasions, you can
find something to laugh about. My father passed away recently, which
required a trip home for his funeral. Of course, this was a sad
occasion but remembering my father with humor was so healing. He was a
man who, at 97, had been retired for over 30 years, yet he had all his
faculties. He had recently purchased a smart phone and started playing
with LinkedIn. I was surprised just a few months ago to find he had
invited me to join LinkedIn - as though we were going to build a
business relationship. That was worth a chuckle, and it is one of my
favorite memories of him. So, when you hear laughter, move closer and
ask, "What's so funny?" Most people want to share because
they get to laugh again. And always share a good joke or funny story.
Most of all, though, don't forget to laugh at yourself. Laughter can
help us put our feelings about unpleasant situations in perspective. A
good laugh will improve your mood. It will also boost your immune
system, release endorphins and protect your heart. After a good laugh,
you'll feel less stressed and more able to deal with whatever comes
your way. So laugh - you'll feel better!
Spend time with fun people
Connect with others who like to laugh, play and have fun. As my best
friend loves to say, "Go blow up the fun meter!" Playing
renews our spirit and strengthens relationships. You'll be better
equipped to solve problems with a little fun, and your creativity may
be sparked as well. And if you spend your time playing outdoors,
you'll have the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine.
Take vacations or staycations
Is there anything more healing than time off? Travel when you can and
see the world, stay home and lounge around in your pajamas, or visit
your town like you're on vacation. Whatever you do with your time off,
make it a real vacation from work. No computer, no email, no business
calls. Just time off. Work can wait. Down time makes your return to
work that much more effective. Remember to take it easy and fully
enjoy your time away from the grind.
Count your blessings
Notice the good things in your life. Make it a habit to stop and
appreciate the events and people who make your life wonderful. Maybe
it's your spouse, children or friends; maybe it's your steady income
or pets. Take nothing for granted. Be grateful for what you have. If
you can appreciate the little things in life, your happiness will
multiply exponentially. Happy people are healthy people.
Sue Todd is an Essential Feng
Shui practitioner in Anchorage. Go to www.suetoddessentialfengshui.com
to learn more about Essential Feng Shui or to book a speaking
engagement or private consultation.
