UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Happy Habits
It’s rare to find someone who relishes being unhappy. Most of us want to experience more happiness in our lives. We want to smile and enjoy simple pleasures, relationships, and careers. The road to happiness is paved with small habits that offer huge returns when applied. If you are ready for a happier life, keep reading to learn more about “happy habits.”
1 – Make Sleep a Priority
Many people are sleep-deprived and rely on caffeine and sugar to get them through an afternoon. Most adults need an average of seven hours of quality sleep. With better (and regular) rest, your body gets what it needs, leading to a better quality of life and more happiness.
2 – Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods and Plenty of Water
A poorly functioning body can leave you feeling sad, unenergized, and in bad health. Increasing your water and nutrient intake encourages a healthy, happier you.
3 – Do Some Form of Exercise Daily
Exercise gives you an instant boost. The released endorphins increase your happiness. A sense of accomplishment fuels your day. It doesn’t take hours either – a brisk walk at lunch can do wonders.
4 – Set Boundaries
Try to minimize your interaction with those who are confrontational, negative, or bullies. Toxic people cause frustration and pain in your life. When you do have to interact, set the pace of the conversation and be willing to walk away when they cross the line.
5 – Spend Time with Family and Friends
Relationships matter. Spending time with those you love strengthens your bonds and enhances your happiness levels. You might even want to establish regular dinners, such as a lazy Sunday afternoon meal and chatting over coffee.
6 – Get Out in Nature
Stuffy offices overshadow the beauty of a sunny day. Take some time to get outside and let the sun warm your skin. Close your eyes and listen to Mother Nature’s music. Simply getting outside can do wonders for your mood and happiness.
7 – Rid Your Life and Home of Clutter
Clutter brings stress. Stress leads to unhappiness. To maximize your happiness levels, create a decluttering habit. Set up a system for ridding your home and office of clutter, then establish a plan to keep it away.
8 – Turn Off the Technology
Take the leap and limit your exposure to computer screens. Sitting in front of a screen keeps your brain on overdrive. Scrolling through social media will do the same thing to your emotions. “Unplugging” will give your mind a rest, and you can focus on those items in your life that bring happiness, like family, friends, and hobbies.
9 – Volunteer
Nothing brings happiness like volunteering. Helping out those who are less fortunate than yourself blesses both of you. It also increases your levels of gratitude, which can translate into happiness and joy.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Take inventory of your life and habits. Assess how much sleep you are getting and what kinds of foods you are eating. Consider your next steps to make the needed changes to affect your happiness levels.
2 – Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community. You may be able to tutor elementary children in reading or help at the local animal shelter. Go ahead and schedule a time to volunteer. Don’t stop at research.
3 – Spend 15 minutes a day decluttering one spot in your home. Look for the one area that seems to attract the most clutter and focus on it. Once done, find the next area to go to.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
