alt="image"/> 5 Exercise Your Mood
Everyone knows that participating in some form of physical exercise is important for our physical well-being. Exercise has long been known to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It has even been noted to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer
But what many people don't realize, however, is that exercise is important to our psychological well-being as well. It helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. So make the time to exercise. You can benefit substantially by exercising thirty to sixty minutes, three to five times a week. For those of you, who are thinking that you just don't have the time, try taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator; walk as much as you can; do yard work at home, etc. As they say, “Anything is better than nothing.”
“Humor might not have saved my life, but it definitely made my life,” says Michael Aronin. “At various turns, it has made my life bearable; at others, remarkable; at still others, joyful, committed, and amazing.” Michael, a comedian and motivational speaker with cerebral palsy, definitely knows the benefits of laughter
Not only does laughter make you feel good, but it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts our immune system by raising levels of infection-fighting cells in our body. Studies have shown that laughter releases endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers. So laugh as much as you can. Laughter is contagious; you'll make other feel good too!
You have a “junk” drawer in the kitchen that you've been meaning to clean and a closet jam-packed with clothes that you've wanted to organize for months. Your basement is cluttered with boxes filled with things you no longer need or want. Well, now's the time to finally take a moment to bring a little order to your life. You'll be surprised how good you feel.
I share my desk with my husband and two young daughters. It is absolutely impossible for my desk not to become piled high with everything from coloring books and bills to my work. Needless to say I am constantly cleaning my desk because I find it impossible to concentrate with clutter all around me. It drives me absolutely crazy
Someday I would love to hire a feng shui expert to help me organize my home. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging space and placing furniture to be in harmony with the environment. Some believe that this practice has an effect on everything from physical and mental health to wealth and material gain.
Figure out what has been bothering you and work on organizing it. I promise to do the same.
I've never been one to hold my feelings inside. After only three weeks of dating my husband, I blurted out, “John, I love you,” as tears streamed down my face. He looked at me overjoyed to hear those words yet disappointed that he wasn't the one to say them first. For months afterward, every time he told me that he loved me, I would reply, “Yes, but I said it first.” It would always make us laugh.
Like John, many people are afraid to say “I love you.” They are either afraid that it's either too soon to express this sentiment or perhaps that the other person will not say it back. Well, I can understand these fears, but I am going to argue that it is well worth the risk of getting hurt. However, I don't believe it is ever too soon to say “I love you.” If it were too soon, then you wouldn't be feeling these emotions in the first place. Let that special someone in your life know exactly how you feel. Pay close attention to your heart. Not only is it therapeutic, but it will also let you know exactly where you stand in the relationship.
As the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” I must say that I couldn't agree more. What good is telling someone that you care if you don't act like you do? It doesn't matter how long you've known someone, we all need reassurance from time to time. Reassurances can be as simple as sending a card or setting aside time to take your friend out to dinner.
One of my closest friends once blurted out, “You don't care.” Her words shocked me. After many years of friendship, I couldn't understand why and how she could possibly think that I didn't care about her. But then I realized that I had been so caught up in my work and spending time with my new friends in my hometown that I had neglected our friendship.
Did you know that smell is the most heightened of all our senses? Research has shown that what we smell has a tremendous impact on how we feel, both mentally and physically. Perhaps the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies reminds you of your childhood. Or maybe the smell of the brisk ocean breeze helps you to relax as you take a stroll on the beach.
The scents from essential oils are believed to help relieve many stress-related ailments as well as promote recovery of others including colds, insomnia, migraines, and muscle pains. For example, lavender oil is said to help you sleep while rosemary is noted to promote muscle relaxation. There are several varieties of scented candles and oils on the market. So have fun finding the scents that work best for you!
The act of meditation comes with many benefits including stress and anxiety reduction. Relaxing and quieting the mind can even reduce the risk of heart disease and other illnesses. There are various ways to meditate, but I'd like to share a simple one with only three steps.
1. Find a relaxed and peaceful location. While some prefer absolute silence, others prefer soft background music. Whatever works for you is fine.
2. Next find a comfortable position that you will be able to sit in for an extended period of time without tiring. This could be on the floor or on the sofa.
3. Now, once you're comfortable, close your eyes and focus on something. Perhaps, you might focus on a memory shared with a loved one. Or you can repeat a positive phrase over and over in your mind such as, “I am loved.” Relax and take a deep breath each time you say it. Release negative energy (fear, worry, anger, sadness) with each exhalation and take in positive energy (joy, happiness, contentment) with each inhalation.
Try not to get discouraged if you don't feel the benefits immediately. It may take some time and trial-and-error to find the meditation technique that's right for you.
Sometimes in life, you not only have to ask yourself some tough questions but you also have to answer them honestly. Questions like: What do I really want out of life? What bothers me the most? What do I wish I could change? Am I truly happy with my marriage/relationship? What do I need to make my life happier?
The key here is to be totally honest with yourself. Your answers will help you better understand who you truly are. Hence, you will be
