"7 Surprising Keys to Happiness"
Have you ever had one of those days where you just wish you
were in a better mood? Perhaps you tried to shift your state of
mind to something better but struggled to achieve it.
Sometimes we get stuck in our own 'stinking thinking' and forget
how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to
lift your mood that many people have found useful and some of
them may surprise you!
1. Go for a walk.
Most folk know that going for a short daily walk is one of the
best forms of exercise. If you can, go into a natural
environment with flowers, trees and birds. What will you notice
first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of
country air, the bird sounds, or the sunlight shining through
the tree foliage.
2. Listen to some quality music.
Music creates magical effects. It can shift the listeners state
within moments. Why not dig out that album you haven't listened
to in ages or why not tune in your radio to something you've
never listened to before.
3. Think of others less fortunate.
The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are
probably much better off than many, many people on this planet!
What if you were to imagine being in space looking down on the
amazing beautiful earth, noticing all the oceans and lands with
the clouds above... And then thinking about the fact that there
are many human beings that are starving, homeless and in lots of
pain... Allow your compassion for them to grow.
4. Read something radical!
How many different types of magazines can you get these days?!
Have you ever waltzed into a big newsagents and just browsed
through the magazine racks? It's incredible. Why not buy a
magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You never know you may
discover something wonderful!
5. Laughing at laughter.
Have you ever had the experience when you just laugh for no good
reason? Isn't it great! Laughter is one of the best ways to lift
your spirits. Can't think of anything funny? Try grinning at
yourself insanely in the mirror and notice how difficult it
becomes to control your giggle muscles!
6. Simple breathing meditation.
A great exercise that you can do anywhere is a simple breathing
meditation. No need to dress in orange robes. Simply find
yourself in a comfortable sitting position with your back
straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of
air into and out of your nostrils. That's it! Do this for 10/15
minutes and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised how you
feel afterward.
7. Doodling just for fun!
Remember when you were young and you used to doodle with crayons
for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures, why not
adults? So get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have
and just draw - doodle away until your state of mind shifts.
You might agree that these are all pretty simple and that's
what's so good about them. Making changes, mundane or profoundly
life-changing, are easily and quickly achieved by putting into
action simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques.