1. Have a sense of purpose in life:
– Studies have found, those people who feel they have a sense of purpose in life, live longer healthier lives. Research indicates, those people who feel their life has meaning, to be less likely to develop sleep problems, have a heart attack, and live longer lives overall. Nevertheless, if you are asking yourself what does living a meaningful life entail? Well everyone might interpret meaningful in their own way. However, the consensus is, the idea that your life makes sense, and you were put in this earth for a reason. Regularly reminding yourself of your awareness of a sense of purpose can help you reduce stress, improve coping, & promote health improving behaviors (i.e. exercising, eating healthier, etc.).
2. Indulge in positive self-talk:
– As humans, we are wired to be extremely critical of ourselves in every situation. However, to be able to live healthier lives we must learn to turn this internal critic into a supportive cheerleader. We must begin by developing a newer and kinder relationship with ourselves. Instead of bashing ourselves and kicking ourselves when were down, we must turn that inner critic into a supportive one, through positive self-talk. For example, let’s say we had a bad day and did very poorly at work or in an exam. The moment you hear your internal critic saying things like, “you’re so stupid,” or “you got an F you’ll never amount to anything.” Pause and realize that this is our internal critic trying to bring us down. Instead of succumbing to the criticism realize it and turn him into a complimentary. For instance, once you notice a critic coming find a positive thing to say about yourself and say it, even if you don’t believe it! By doing this you’re taking your power back and leaving your criticizer powerless. Additionally, indulge in positive self-talk throughout your day by constantly reminding your inner-self that you can do this, that you believe in yourself! Don’t allow your internal dialog to distort your thinking.
3. Do something generous for someone:
– Research indicates, a correlation between happiness and acts of kindness. If we examine this from an evolutionary perspective, It makes sense. As Civil societies benefit when everyone is cooperative and generous to some extent. Not only is generosity good for our happiness, but it is also a quality people look for in their mates. Research also shows, those people who spent money on others, rather than on themselves, reported higher levels of happiness. With that being said, you don’t have to sacrifice yourself to feel happy, just being a little more generous than usual will suffice.
4. Strengthen your face-to-face relationships.
– In a time when we are all glued to our phones 24-7, it is more important than ever to have meaningful real life relationships. Studies have found, community social bond to accurately predicted a person’s mortality rate. Meaning, those people who had very strong face-to-face relationships were more likely to survive to old age. Strong face-to-face relationships can be formed by frequently gathering with friends/families, religious group, through athletic commitments, such as, hiking, boot camp classes etc. Additionally, quantity is not what matter but quality is. Having a a lot of friends won’t do you any good if your bond with them is not a close one.
5. Get yourself a furry friend.
– Whoever coined the term “dog is a man’s best friend,” was on to something. Research shows, just staring into your pet’s eyes can lower your heart rate. For instance, a cat’s purr has been associated with triggering a sense of calmness in humans. Dogs are often trained to recognize an oncoming panic attack in veterans suffering with anxiety. In Equine-facilitated therapy, horses work with troubled teens and suffering adults to help them overcome their adversities. Animals have the ability to heal wounds us humans are not capable of healing. They are there for us when we are lonely, they are often lifelines fulling our need for company, to be loved, and most importantly to love. So if you don’t have one yet, run and get yourself a furry friend!
Meet my furry friend, his name is Oreo the Turkish Van Cat!
Xoxo,
loved This article so much! Thank yoj
I’m so happy you enjoyed the article! <3
Number 2 is definitely one i need to work on myself. this is all wonderful advice! do you have any posts about your career journey? i am still trying to figure out my next steps, and would love to read any perspective you have to offer 🙂
I’m happy you enjoyed reading the post & my little devil cat Oreo, hehe! Yes I will definitely do a dedicated post soon. Where I will talk about my journey and steps to help others navigate the uncharted waters of building a career and education. Be sure to subscribe to know when I post it. Thank you for your sweet words and good luck! (:
also: oreo is adorable!
Once in a while pamper yourself as well! even if it’s as small as a fancy coffee on your way to work, or a long bubble bath- it just makes life that bit sweeter <3
Thank you for your response. Absolutely, pampering yourself should be first one the list! Haha Even if it means getting a PSL from Starbucks! 😛
Wonderful post. Pics are great
Thank you for your sweet reply! 💕
Hi Dior,
I hopped across to your Blog from a post on Bloggers for Bloggers.
You have a beautifully laid out Blog post. Great font chosen, easy to read. Plenty of white space.
Your title drew me in for a read. I guess, like everyone else I’m also looking for ways to live a healthier, happier life.
Honestly, I’m not sure which comes first health or happiness. I think both always work together as equal partners like love & marriage, horse & carriage. You can’t have one without the other.
Like you I firmly believe that I’ve been put on this planet for a reason. I don’t ponder such reasons too much though, there’s so many interesting things to do each day. I’ve never had two days that were identical. Each day teaches me something new and plays its part in my growth.
My wife Cynthia our daughter Chriselle and I are Yoga practitioners. We work out three days each week, Tue, Thur and Sat. One hour early in the morning keeps us supple and energised for the week. Exercise and a happy mind go together just like you’ve mentioned.
Doing something generous for someone, without expecting anything in return is always a terrific way to create good karma. When you are kind and compassionate to a stranger, the universe, which never lets a good deed go unrewarded, will fill you cup till it overflows. Such is how the universe works.
If you want to experience unconditional love get yourself a pet. I love dogs. (Not much of a cat person really) Having dogs around me in my growing up years (I’m 66 right now) taught me all about, warmth, patience, love, kindness and more.
I couldn’t agree with you more when you say – Get yourself a furry friend. Awesome advice that.
Thanks for sharing Dior. Enjoyed the read.
Warmly,
Ivan Bayross
Hi Ivan, I am so happy you found my blog and that 1 you like it. Two that you’re doing so good about being proactive about your health not just through yoga with your wife and daughter (which is amazing for many reason), but also by practicing all these things that are great for a healthy state of mind. Again, thank you for taking he time to reply.
Great tips! plus your cat is adorable!
Aw thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Love it! Thanks! 🙂
I’m happy you enjoyed the post!
Isnt a furry friend the most imporant thing?! Whenever Feel anxous i go and cuddle some animals, it always helps.
x lisa
Absolutely, I’m so happy you know exactly what to do to calm your self. There’s nothing better than a furry companion!
Thank y f s these are sO valua experience ❤️
Hi, Camila! Thanks for this post! I loved the last and 5th step – on furry friends. I’ve got a house bunny who is my “emotional support animal,” and she’s nudging me as I write this comment. She’s been great and i also highly recommend a pet for…just about anyone 😀
On a silly note, I have to point out a typo that made me laugh (it happens to all of us…don’t worry!) under bullet point 4, you suggest frequent “fathering.” I think you had something else in mind? 😉
I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! How cute that you have a house bunny! Is it a lion one? Thank you so much for catching that, haha. I have to go back and edit it! What I meant to say was “gathering..” frequent gathering! (:
She isn’t a lionhead – but those are indeed cute rabbits! She’s a dwarf.
And yes, I know what you meant, but had to tease because of the very different meanings those words hold 😉
Sorry not sorry.