"It is not enough to have a good mind; the important thing is to use it well."
– Rene Descartes
Did you know that humans are hardwired to see more harmful things that can hurt us than helpful things that pose no threat? It's all part of our primitive fight or flight defense mechanism built in to protect us from danger. It's easy to understand why we naturally focus on the negatives and overlook the positives.
Like pain and discomfort in the body, designed to make us pause and notice that something isn't right physically, negative thoughts and emotions do the same in our environment. If we are predisposed to observe our surroundings for things that could harm us, how do we manage this natural tendency and become more positive and joyful people? Is it possible to reshape our overall perspective and change how we experience the world around us toward a more positive bent?
Yes, you can!
I recommend an excellent book to many of my "prime of life" clients called Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley (patient) & Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (medical doctor). In this book, Dr. Lodge explains how the Power of thoughts and signals received by the brain will influence how well you age.
Your brain is the command center of your body, and despite its tremendous influence, this powerful instrument remains trapped in a dark cave (your skull), and its only form of data received is through the many thoughts and actions you have and do day in and day out.
Suppose you live a life of positive lifestyle habits, daily exercise, an optimistic attitude, and eating nutritious food for optimal health. In that case, your brain responds positively and functions well because you are alive and thriving.
Whereas, if you live a sedentary life, are inundated with negativity, and have poor LEAN habits, the brain responds to this unengaged lifestyle in a specific way. It begins to break down the body and mind through physical and mental decay.
In short, poor LEAN habits tell the brain to break down the mind and body, whereas good LEAN practices inform the brain to keep this organism healthy because it is alive and well!
The keys to preventing physical and mental decay are healthy lifestyle habits, daily exercise, nutritious foods, and a commitment to an optimistic attitude. Here are a few simple things you can do to rewire yourself and start seeing the positives in almost everything.
Get silly!
Don't let "adulting" get in the way of playing and being silly. Being an adult can sometimes get overwhelming, especially if you're a parent, and all this responsibility can get in the way of happiness. Lighten up and bring more fun and play into your home. Now that our kids are all grown and out of the house, it's just my husband and me, but we pose this silly monkey on the bed and make each other (me mostly) laugh every time we enter our bedroom.
Smile even if you have to force yourself at first.
Science tells us, there are enormous health benefits from the simple act of smiling. Bringing more smiles into your day will boost mood, improve physical health, build better social connections, and increase lifespan. With all these health benefits you receive from smiling, it's worth creating a habit of smiling at everyone you see!
Find tools to help you be happier.
What motivated you to be your best self? Bring positivity into your world – favorite uplifting music playlist, ted talks, podcast, friends, coworkers. Intentionally include people who make you feel good about yourself but will also be compassionately honest with you.
Recommended happiness tools:
Like to read? Here are a few recommended books on living more positively
The Power of positive thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Prefer to watch and listen? My top recommended TedX Talk and Podcast:
Don't forget the life quotes! I love inspirational quotes because they offer potent reminders! Here are a few of my favorites:
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." – Desmond Tutu.
"You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness." – Diane Von Furstenberg.
"Do anything, but let it produce joy." – Walk Whitman.
You cannot make a mistake or go wrong in your search for ways to bring more happiness, positivity, and optimism into your everyday life. Whether letting your silly childhood self emerge, start a practice of smiling at every living thing that crosses your path, or surround yourself with uplifting quotes, happiness improvement books, or inspirational speakers, can set you on the right track. We all need a little help from time to time, and the tips above have benefited my health by boosting joy.
If you found this post helpful, please pass it on to those essential people in your life and help them live a happier, healthier, and purposeful life by bringing more happiness into their lives.
Scroll to the bottom of this post and share some of your happy-making practices in the comment sections. It takes a community of support to change the world toward improved health and happiness!
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