life hack

Is It Possible to Be Happy in Chaotic Times?

One way to move toward happiness is to move away from the complicated stuff and simple it down. Country singer John Anderson, in his song, “I’ve Got it Made,” sang, “I’ve got the mornin’ sun, /I’ve got the evenin’ breeze. / I got the woman that I love lyin’ close to me, / I’ve got a few good friends and all my bills are paid /I got the moon and stars above and I’ve got it made.”

Sounds like good advice to me. I think I’ll call a couple of my friends and see how they’re doing.

True or False: Optimists live longer than Pessimists.

The University of Pittsburgh studied the health and hope of almost 100,000 women over eight years. They found optimists often believed they would live longer than pessimists – and they were right! The study found that over the eight-year period optimists, compared to pessimists, were less likely to die from all causes (Yah, it’s TRUE).

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No More Stinking Thinking – You Can Make Lemonade Out of Lemons. It’s What You’ve Always Done!

Your personality affects how long you’ll live. Stanford researchers Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin found that conscientiousness beat out all other personality type when it comes to life expectancy. “The qualities of a prudent, persistant, well-organized person, like a scientist-professor — somewhat obsessive and not at all carefree” are the qualities that help lead to a long life. “Many of us assume that more relaxed people live longer, but it’s not necessarily the case.” Why? Conscientious behavior influences other behaviors. Conscientious people tend to make healthier choices, including who they marry, where they work, and the likelihood they’ll smoke, drive too fast, or follow doctors’ orders.

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The good news is that you can become more conscientious.

Be Intentional About Stress Relief

Build your own personal recharge and recreation toolbox. Purposefully take time to socially connect (virtually if necessary), play a game, make others laugh, engage in a hobby, take a bubble bath or hot shower, read a book, listen to music, practice a relaxation exercise, meditate, stretch, practice yoga, engage in prayer/faith activities, or take a walk outside. The need for stress-relieving activities is even greater in times of uncertainty.

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Here’s a Tip: 

Keep going. Don’t let life’s changes throw you off track, but remember that most extenuating circumstances are temporary. Gain more clarity by staying the course and channeling your energy in a positive direction.

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Peek Out the Window – Good Things are Heading Your Way

“Optimists use their imagination to rehearse success,” in other words, they play positive mental videos of preferred outcomes, much like sports figures do. Michael Jordan, for example, once stated that he never plays a game that he hasn’t first visualized. Another trait is that “Optimists think that they have great capacity for stretching” – they believe that their personal best is yet to come.

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Leave an hope-filled chalk message on your sidewalk

– You’ll make someone feel better.

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Smiling is Going Make You Feel Better

A University of Kansas study found that smiling—even fake smiling—reduces heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations. So try a few minutes of YouTube humor therapy when you’re stomping your feet waiting in line or fuming over a work or family situation. It’s difficult not to smile while watching a favorite funny video.

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