Spring is always a time of new beginnings, longer days, and excitement as we prepare for the dog days of summer. This spring is like no other we have ever experienced. We have been amidst a year long quarantine, disrupted schedules, canceled activities, and much isolation. This year’s spring cleaning is not just about cleaning out our closets, but also clearing out our heads! Focusing on gratitude, laughter, good health, and movement are the fastest path to happiness.
Gretchen Rubin Author of the Happiness Project has some simple steps to improve your level of happiness.
Truer words were never spoken!!
Taking care of your health is like putting money in the bank. The path to good health is simple, good food, good thoughts, and exercise. People often say they are not ‘motivated’ to exercise. It does not take motivation; it takes action and discipline. A simple 15-minute walk outside can improve your overall demeanor. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise but has surprisingly great health benefits.
Finding things to laugh about these days has been somewhat challenging, but research suggests that laughter really is the best medicine. It boosts immune system, improves mood, and offers pain relief. During these times of socially distancing and mask wearing it is sometimes challenging to laugh and find the humor in things, but taking the time to watch a funny movie, facetime with a friend who makes you laugh, or just seeing some of the humor in everyday situations.
Lastly, there is always something to be grateful for, sometimes it may be as simple as hot cup of coffee or 10 minutes of quiet. Some days it is harder to be grateful and those are the days we must dig deeper to find the gratitude. Have a positive outlook is a behavior that can be taught and learned, not matter the age. Keeping a gratitude journal is the first step in developing a positive outlook. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Its All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson is a great read to teach you how to keep things in perspective. A highly recommended read!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Its/dp/0786864109
As we enter this next phase lets try to remember how far we have come and all the things we have learned over the last year. Try doing the 30 Day-happiness challenge and see how you feel 30 days from now!!
Here is The Happiness Challenge.
Pick a day to get started and get going. You can do these out of order if you want to, just make sure you are doing one every single day, no skipping days. You can repeat things.
1. No social media day
2. Call a friend (not a text)
3. Listen to your favorite song
4. 15 minutes of exercise
5. Make your bed
6. Tell someone you love them
7. Do one small random act of kindness
8. Watch a funny movie or video
9. Dance to happy music
10. No complaining all day
11. Go get your favorite treat
12. Color a picture
13. Get 15 minutes of fresh air
14. Read for 10 minutes
15. Take a walk
16. Play with your dog (or cat)
17. Start a gratitude journal
18. Spend one on one time with your favorite person
19. Plant flowers
20. Learn a new hobby
21. Bake cookies or a cake
22. Take a nap
23. Write down things you are good at
24. Clean out a messy drawer
25. Go to bed earlier
26. Get up early and watch the sunrise
27. Go out to dinner
28. Write down your goals
29. Volunteer to help someone
30. Buy a gift for someone you love
Retro Bowl 911 is a fun and exciting unblocked game that can provide hours of entertainment. The game is based on American football, though with some unique twists, and is a superb way to blow off steam and relax with some friends. It's easy to pick up and difficult to put down - the perfect combination for a game!