Cultivate kindness. People who volunteer or simply care for others on a consistent basis seem to be happier and less depressed. Although “caring” can involve volunteering as part of an organized group or club, it can be as simple as reaching out to a colleague or classmate who looks lonely or is struggling with an issue.
stress
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ Close Friends Make Us Happier
Express your heart. People who have one or more close friendships are happier. It doesn’t seem to matter if we have a large network of close relationships or not. What seems to make a difference is if and how often we cooperate in activities and share our personal feelings with a friend or relative. “Active-constructive responding,” which is the ability to express genuine interest in what people say, and respond in encouraging ways, is a powerful way to enrich relationships and cultivate positive emotions.
Health Hack ~ Watch Out for the Holiday Season Weight Gain
That time of year is upon us again—when parties, big family meals, and other holiday get-togethers spell the potential for weight gain. Studies have linked the holiday season (mid-November through December) with weight gain ranging from 1 to 3.5 pounds, on average. . . . We want you to enjoy the holidays, complete with the splurges you may desire. But if you want to have your cake and literally eat it too—and notgain weight—there’s a simple behavioral modification technique that might well help, as a study in Obesity recently reÂÂported: Weigh yourself every morning. Regular self-weighing has been shown to help people lose weight and is a hallmark of Weight Watchers. The National Weight Control Registry, which tracks people who have successfully lost and kept weight off, considers it a particularly effective strategy for maintaining long-term weight loss.
🍎 Health Hack ~ Put the Brakes on Worry
Call Out Your Worries
If they’re stuck inside your mind, worries and “What ifs?” can grow unchecked. Say them out loud, and they might just vanish. You can test this tactic first: Start to recite the letters of the alphabet in your head. When you get a few letters in, say something out loud. Notice that your ABCs came to a halt? That’s what can happen when you give voice to your worries.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ What Do You See?
Stay Positive.
The same event can happen to two people, and one views it as a positive and one views it as a negative. So try to see the good side of the things and people around you; it can help you stay free of anxiety and depression.
Make a Spiritual Connection.
Spend time on “that which gives your life meaning and purpose.”This could be your religious beliefs, enjoying nature, or sharing moments with loved ones. “If we get up in the morning excited about something that gives us meaning and self-purpose, our bodies do all they can to heal,” he says.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ You Deserve a Break
Take a quick walk every hour, on the hour, while you’re at work.
Your brain needs a break from your computer, and your body needs a break from sitting at your desk. Achieve both simultaneously by taking a quick walk — five to 10 minutes — every hour, on the hour, during the workday.
It’ll energize you even more than a sugary snack, all without the crash.
🍎 Health Hack ~ Start the Day with an Energy Booster
Eat Your Oats!
Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate. That means it’s full of fiber and nutrients. Oatmeal is slower to digest and supplies energy evenly instead of all at once. A bowl in the morning will keep you going for hours.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ Power is in the Present Moment
Being present is more than just a physical act. It also relates to your ability to be present mentally and emotionally. Psychologist, author and breast cancer survivor Paulette Sherman, Psy.D., says that to be present, you need to make the distinction of whether your thoughts are in the past, present or future and bring them back into the moment. “The majority of negative thoughts are about the past and future, which can’t be addressed,” she says. “The point of power is the present, so try to address what is in front of you in the most adaptive, constructive way.”
🍎 Health Hack ~ Battling a Sore Throat?
Sip Some Tea
A warm cup of tea may provide relief when you have a sore throat, but it may also help prevent you from getting sick too. “In order to stay healthy, it’s important to stay hydrated. One way to do that is to drink tea,” says Dr. Segal.
But not all teas are created equal. Dr. Segal recommends sipping on green, black or white tea, since they contain powerful antioxidants that can help your body eliminate bacteria that cause colds or the flu.
For a little extra protection, drizzle some honey into your tea. Research has shown that honey has the power to kill bacteria.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ Make Time To Talk
Connecting Is A Great Way to Life Your Spirits
Whether you’re baring your soul or just discussing the weather, talking with others can make you feel more connected and involved. Even striking up a group chat with your friends is a great way to feel less alone.
If you need professional support, there are free hotlines you can call like the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline. Hate talking on the phone? You can also send a message to the Crisis Text Line, which provides support from highly trained counselors for no fee.
