Difference between revisions of "Enjoy Life"
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| − | + | Enjoying life is often thought to be a mindset, the result of reflection, action and gratitude. And while most of us lack sufficient free time to escape to some mountaintop temple to follow our bliss, the best way to find happiness is to make practical, everyday changes. Coupled with conscious choices to appreciate the people in your life and making space to do the things you're best at, small changes to your life soon add up to greater enjoyment in life. | |
| − | [[Category:Happiness & Optimism]] | + | [[Category: Happiness & Optimism]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Reduce stress. You don’t need a clinician to tell you that stress is no fun, but did you know that even a mild stress-induced mood disorder like sub-clinical depression can wreak havoc on your immune system? In fact, the duration of a stressful period has more effect on immunity than its severity.<REF>APA on stress and immunity, http://www.apa.org/research/action/immune.aspx </REF>To fight stress, first recognize it and stop trying to battle it alone. Find ways to ground yourself and to let off steam constructively. Sports, exercise, a hobby and spending time with friends are all good ways to counteract stress. You might like to try guided imagery, yoga, or tai-chi; if you have a severe mood disorder, seek counseling and/or medication.<REF name="Cleveland">ClevelandClinic.org on diet, stress, exercise, and the immune system, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx </REF> | #Reduce stress. You don’t need a clinician to tell you that stress is no fun, but did you know that even a mild stress-induced mood disorder like sub-clinical depression can wreak havoc on your immune system? In fact, the duration of a stressful period has more effect on immunity than its severity.<REF>APA on stress and immunity, http://www.apa.org/research/action/immune.aspx </REF>To fight stress, first recognize it and stop trying to battle it alone. Find ways to ground yourself and to let off steam constructively. Sports, exercise, a hobby and spending time with friends are all good ways to counteract stress. You might like to try guided imagery, yoga, or tai-chi; if you have a severe mood disorder, seek counseling and/or medication.<REF name="Cleveland">ClevelandClinic.org on diet, stress, exercise, and the immune system, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx </REF> | ||
#Improve your stress management, if you cannot remove the stress. Can you change the cause of the stress? Then, do so. In many cases though, stress links back to your job, money, or family. In uncertain times, changing jobs can be difficult, in which case, you must find ways to manage it better. | #Improve your stress management, if you cannot remove the stress. Can you change the cause of the stress? Then, do so. In many cases though, stress links back to your job, money, or family. In uncertain times, changing jobs can be difficult, in which case, you must find ways to manage it better. | ||
| − | #*Managing stress that comes from work or family can be done by [[Be Assertive | being more assertive]] about your needs and setting boundaries. Assertion and boundary-setting include learning to say "no" to tasks that overload your schedule, getting regular "me" time, and avoiding taking work calls when you are relaxing at home with family or friends, or vice versa.<ref>http://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/clearinghouse/files/TI043.pdf</ref> | + | #*Managing stress that comes from work or family can be done by [[Be Assertive | being more assertive]] about your needs and setting boundaries. Assertion and boundary-setting include learning to say "no" to tasks that overload your schedule, getting regular "me" time, and avoiding taking work calls when you are relaxing at home with family or friends, or vice versa.<ref name="rf15764">http://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/clearinghouse/files/TI043.pdf</ref> |
| − | #*Other ways to manage work-related stress consist of working smarter not harder, which means breaking down larger tasks into smaller increments and delegating tasks to others, if necessary. Also, make sure to use workplace resources like trainings and professional development events to counteract detrimental practices that may impact your health and well-being.<ref>http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/5-scientifically-proven-ways-to-work-smarter-not-harder-tues.html</ref> | + | #*Other ways to manage work-related stress consist of working smarter not harder, which means breaking down larger tasks into smaller increments and delegating tasks to others, if necessary. Also, make sure to use workplace resources like trainings and professional development events to counteract detrimental practices that may impact your health and well-being.<ref name="rf15765">http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/5-scientifically-proven-ways-to-work-smarter-not-harder-tues.html</ref> |
#Learn new things. Getting a higher education can bolster your self-esteem and interest in the world. But it's not for everyone and it's not the only solution. Reading, traveling, taking fun classes, attending guest lectures, and meeting people from other cultures will do the same thing. Or try MOOCs––massive online open courses––these courses offer very stimulating ways of stretching your knowledge and abilities, in your own time. Ultimately, instead of running from new experiences, engage in them, and seek more whenever you can. After all, you only live once. | #Learn new things. Getting a higher education can bolster your self-esteem and interest in the world. But it's not for everyone and it's not the only solution. Reading, traveling, taking fun classes, attending guest lectures, and meeting people from other cultures will do the same thing. Or try MOOCs––massive online open courses––these courses offer very stimulating ways of stretching your knowledge and abilities, in your own time. Ultimately, instead of running from new experiences, engage in them, and seek more whenever you can. After all, you only live once. | ||
#[[Find a Hobby | Find a hobby]]. Whether you choose stamp collecting or kickboxing, hobbies and extracurricular activities are necessary in the pursuit to enjoy life. Hard routines are counterproductive to spontaneity and surprise––leave a little flexibility in your schedule so that it doesn't become routine and humdrum. Do your hobby or activity because you love it, and because it gets you "into the flow", and not for reasons such as keeping up with other people or conforming to unrealistic social standards. | #[[Find a Hobby | Find a hobby]]. Whether you choose stamp collecting or kickboxing, hobbies and extracurricular activities are necessary in the pursuit to enjoy life. Hard routines are counterproductive to spontaneity and surprise––leave a little flexibility in your schedule so that it doesn't become routine and humdrum. Do your hobby or activity because you love it, and because it gets you "into the flow", and not for reasons such as keeping up with other people or conforming to unrealistic social standards. | ||
| − | #*Research demonstrates that participating in leisure activities can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health and wellness. Benefits of hobbies include lower blood pressure, less cortisol, lower body mass index and greater perception of physical abilities.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/</ref> | + | #*Research demonstrates that participating in leisure activities can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health and wellness. Benefits of hobbies include lower blood pressure, less cortisol, lower body mass index and greater perception of physical abilities.<ref name="rf15766">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/</ref> |
#Read a good book. Putting your feet up and watching your favorite show at the end of the day is definitely a treat, but since passively watching a story doesn’t do much to stimulate your imagination, it can also leave you feeling restless and 'zombified'. For a change of pace, find a book that you can lose yourself in for a while. If you don’t consider yourself much of a reader, think outside the box and find something that relates to your hobbies: if you’re a baseball fan, pick up Bill Veeck’s autobiography; if you’re a biker, try ''Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance''. | #Read a good book. Putting your feet up and watching your favorite show at the end of the day is definitely a treat, but since passively watching a story doesn’t do much to stimulate your imagination, it can also leave you feeling restless and 'zombified'. For a change of pace, find a book that you can lose yourself in for a while. If you don’t consider yourself much of a reader, think outside the box and find something that relates to your hobbies: if you’re a baseball fan, pick up Bill Veeck’s autobiography; if you’re a biker, try ''Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance''. | ||
#*Keep notes of passages or ideas that really resonate with you. If you keep a notebook in your usual reading spot, ready to jot down such inspirations, you'll soon amass an inspirational collection of ideas that matter to you and may help direct your sense of purpose for years to come. | #*Keep notes of passages or ideas that really resonate with you. If you keep a notebook in your usual reading spot, ready to jot down such inspirations, you'll soon amass an inspirational collection of ideas that matter to you and may help direct your sense of purpose for years to come. | ||
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#[[Develop a Strong Immune System|Strengthen your immune system]]. Nobody feels happy when they’re sick! Even doing something as simple as taking a multivitamin with vitamins C, E, and A, selenium, and beta Carotene might help to boost your immunity.<REF>MyClevelandClinic.org on diet, stress, exercise, and immunity, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx </REF> | #[[Develop a Strong Immune System|Strengthen your immune system]]. Nobody feels happy when they’re sick! Even doing something as simple as taking a multivitamin with vitamins C, E, and A, selenium, and beta Carotene might help to boost your immunity.<REF>MyClevelandClinic.org on diet, stress, exercise, and immunity, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx </REF> | ||
#*Having a strong immune system allows you to respond better to stress or physical illness. Other strategies such as regular exercise, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet are also important for boosting immunity. | #*Having a strong immune system allows you to respond better to stress or physical illness. Other strategies such as regular exercise, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet are also important for boosting immunity. | ||
| − | #[[Exercise]]. Exercising affects the release of endorphins, which transmit messages to the brain, translating into positive feelings.<REF>BrynMawr.edu on the effects of exercise on the brain, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html</REF> Regular exercise not only combats depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, but also strengthens your immune system. Even [[Start Walking for Exercise|walking for exercise]] can increase your antibody and T-killer cell response.< | + | #[[Exercise]]. Exercising affects the release of endorphins, which transmit messages to the brain, translating into positive feelings.<REF>BrynMawr.edu on the effects of exercise on the brain, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html</REF> Regular exercise not only combats depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, but also strengthens your immune system. Even [[Start Walking for Exercise|walking for exercise]] can increase your antibody and T-killer cell response.<ref>ClevelandClinic.org on diet, stress, exercise, and the immune system, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx</ref> |
#[[Sleep Better|Sleep well]]. Sleep is strongly linked to a person’s health, stress levels, weight and quality of life. Moreover, while you sleep, your body produces cells that fight infection, inflammation, and stress, which means that getting too little sleep makes you more prone to getting sick ''and'' increases the time you need to recover from illness.<REF>Mayo Clinic on sleep deprivation, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lack-of-sleep/AN02065 </REF> | #[[Sleep Better|Sleep well]]. Sleep is strongly linked to a person’s health, stress levels, weight and quality of life. Moreover, while you sleep, your body produces cells that fight infection, inflammation, and stress, which means that getting too little sleep makes you more prone to getting sick ''and'' increases the time you need to recover from illness.<REF>Mayo Clinic on sleep deprivation, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lack-of-sleep/AN02065 </REF> | ||
#* '''Exercising is one of the absolute best ways''' to sleep better at night.<REF>PubMed.gov: Effects of Exercise on Sleep, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15892929</REF> | #* '''Exercising is one of the absolute best ways''' to sleep better at night.<REF>PubMed.gov: Effects of Exercise on Sleep, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15892929</REF> | ||
#Play in the dirt. Scientists are finding that friendly bacteria in the soil actually trigger the brain to produce serotonin (much like how antidepressants work).<REF>MedicalNewsToday.com: Soil Bacteria Work In Similar Way To Antidepressants, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/66840.php</REF> If you have a garden, get out there and dig. If you don’t, consider starting one – if not for flowers, for vegetables and herbs that you can use in making healthy recipes. Even [[Design a Container Garden|designing a container garden]] can create a spot of sunshine in your life. | #Play in the dirt. Scientists are finding that friendly bacteria in the soil actually trigger the brain to produce serotonin (much like how antidepressants work).<REF>MedicalNewsToday.com: Soil Bacteria Work In Similar Way To Antidepressants, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/66840.php</REF> If you have a garden, get out there and dig. If you don’t, consider starting one – if not for flowers, for vegetables and herbs that you can use in making healthy recipes. Even [[Design a Container Garden|designing a container garden]] can create a spot of sunshine in your life. | ||
#*Obviously, not-so-friendly bacteria are also in your garden. Wear gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have cats or neighboring cats use your garden as a toilet. And wash your hands well after playing in dirt! | #*Obviously, not-so-friendly bacteria are also in your garden. Wear gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have cats or neighboring cats use your garden as a toilet. And wash your hands well after playing in dirt! | ||
| − | #[[Eat Healthy|Eat healthy]]. It’s a no-brainer that eating well (fresh, unprocessed, real foods) has a huge variety of health benefits. In addition, taking the time to cook fresh foods for yourself gives you an emotional boost: it smells good, it looks good, it tastes good, and, when you become proficient at cooking, it can even provide a fun, creative break from your routine. In addition to being a form of self-pampering, cooking is also good for your wallet. If you’re new to it, start with a few fast, foolproof recipes that won’t turn you off cooking forever. The less processed foods in your diet, the healthier you'll be, which in turn will ensure a good deal more happiness for you.<ref>https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/eat/calories.htm</ref> | + | #[[Eat Healthy|Eat healthy]]. It’s a no-brainer that eating well (fresh, unprocessed, real foods) has a huge variety of health benefits. In addition, taking the time to cook fresh foods for yourself gives you an emotional boost: it smells good, it looks good, it tastes good, and, when you become proficient at cooking, it can even provide a fun, creative break from your routine. In addition to being a form of self-pampering, cooking is also good for your wallet. If you’re new to it, start with a few fast, foolproof recipes that won’t turn you off cooking forever. The less processed foods in your diet, the healthier you'll be, which in turn will ensure a good deal more happiness for you.<ref name="rf15767">https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/eat/calories.htm</ref> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
