Action for Happiness: When we are together everything is better

                “People with strong relationships are happier, healthier and live longer”…connecting with people is one of Action for Happiness’ Ten Keys to Happier Living.  Our family and friends support us and love us through all the ups and downs in our lives.  They give our life meaning and increase our feeling of self-worth.  Relationships are also our biggest channel to give love.  Giving love to others through kindness, encouragement, support, and gratitude brings us happiness.

                I am very grateful to have such wonderful family and friends.  It is our family and friends that get us through those tough times in life.  You lean on them to get you up and going again.  It is important to reach out to those people who may not have a family and connect with them; lending them a helping hand, listening ear, big hug.  The Action for Happiness recommends making three extra connections each day by stopping to chat with someone in the store, waving to a neighbor, or learning the name of someone new.  Making more time for the people who matter and building our social network increases our sense of belonging.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” by Maya Angelou

                                                                                           

Exercising – Take care of your body

                Another key to happier living is exercise.  Have you ever noticed when you go for a walk in nature how great it makes you feel or that uplifting feeling you get after a good workout?  Our body and minds are connected.  Being active makes us happier.  It can lift our mood and help us out of depression.  There are many studies on exercise and mood.  It has been proven that physical activity stimulates the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins.  Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body.  Some researchers believe that exercise acts as a diversion from negative thoughts, others believe exercise enhances our mood by personal growth and social interaction.  We don’t have to run marathons or do extreme sports to be happy; all we need to do is turn off the technology and get moving. 

                Start being more active today by taking a walk or maybe climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator, play in the garden, turn some music on and do some dancing, practice your yoga poses, any activity that gets you up and moving.  Combining exercise with nutritious food, lots of water, and catching up on your sleep will help to lift your spirits.  Inviting a friend, neighbor or family member to exercise with you will only add to the happiness!

“The power for happiness, for good, for everything we need of life is within each one of us.  The power is there – unlimited power.” By Robert Collier

Action for Happiness – www.actionforhappiness.org

R. Byrne.  The Power. 2010. New York

Peace,

Betsy and Jesse