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No matter how bright and cheerful you usually are, have you ever had days when you feel worried, anxious and wound up? In today’s article we look at 7 pleasurable habits you can easily adopt to stay happy and enjoy life.. no matter what is going on.
Seven Steps To Enjoyment
1. Embrace Life
Do you ever have days when you feel stuck, lost and lonely? Maybe you are going through a divorce or separation or recently lost your job. Life changing events can leave you depressed and unsure of your next move. When life looks less than desirable, be gentle with yourself, strive to accept and embrace the good, the bad and ugly parts of life. Know that nothing lasts forever and even in your sorrow there is magic and laughter to be found.
2. Be Nice
As parents how many times have you told your child to be “nice to the other children in the playground” or “be nice to your teacher”? The word “nice” has taken a knocking in years, yet in essence when you are “nice” you are being pleasant, agreeable, good-natured and kind. Isn’t that a ‘nice’ state to be? So take time during your busy day to be nice. For instance, you could say “good morning” to the person next to you in line or if someone asks you to do a task at work which isn’t your responsibility, just for once be kind, smile and agree to do it.
3. Release Judgement
Related to the idea of being nice, the ability to release judgement and forgive someone for misunderstanding you is a gift you give to yourself. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it is easy to get frustrated; short- tempered and snap at friends or work colleagues. When this happens, rather than blame the other person, breathe and when you have calmed down, aim to see the situation from the other person’s perspective. It won’t change anything but may give you space to be more understanding and accepting of the other person’s point of view.
I am sure you have heard of the saying “there go I but for the grace of God”. Remember that next time you feel wronged or misunderstood. Learn to see situations from the other person’s perspective, to be less judgemental and accepting of others.
4. Be Open
If you are going through a particularly distressing time chances are you feel vulnerable, exposed and raw. To protect yourself and feel better it is easy to shut down and put up barriers. However, as you shut down, you restrict the flow of energy through your body which leads to tension and internal stress. Instead of shutting down, learn to express your feelings and explore ways to release worrying thoughts.
Yoga poses, such as, learning to stand tall in the Mountain Pose will help you feel grounded and supported, or a few rounds of the Sun Salutation breathe life and vitality into your heart centre.
5. Practice Yoga/Meditation
Develop a mind-body practice, such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. A simple daily yoga practice releases tress and tension in your body and eases stiffness in the joints. Yoga breathing exercises help calm and focus your mind whilst meditation encourages inner peace, contentment and emotional balance. All essential ingredients to aid enjoyment and pleasure in life.
6. Pleasurable Activities
What do you enjoy doing or dreaming about when you “have spare time”?
What turns you on and makes you feel alive, on purpose, passionate and free? If you don’t know, then take time to discover your talents and lost dreams. A few minutes each day dedicated to your special pleasurable activity does wonders to build up your happiness quota and sense of fulfilment.
7. Social Support
Having a sense of belonging to a community of close loving and supportive friends and family members is perhaps the most important enjoyment habit you can develop.
Giving and receiving love, sharing your concerns, joys and worries with friends, feeling heard, respected and valued, boosts your morale and gives you strength and support when going through unhappy times.
Arrange dinner dates, have lunch with positive friends or just hang out and chill out with family on Sunday afternoons. You will feel better, more alive and connected which makes life looks more enjoyable.
Learning to enjoy life more is a pleasure and gift you give to yourself. Any of the above seven pleasurable habits- embrace life, be nice, release judgement, be open, practice yoga or meditation, play more and spend more time with supportive and loving friends and family all contribute to you finding life a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience.
If you have an idea or activity which gives you pleasure and helps you enjoy life more, drop me a line and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
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Source by Ntathu Allen