How to be Happy Every Day

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There are several books and television shows about the power of positive thinking, and I’m sure you’ve seen at least one. I have found a few simple things that really work.

A couple of weeks ago I printed a funny picture off the internet. With black marker I wrote below the picture, “Start Your Day With A Smile… or a giggle”. I taped this picture to the bathroom mirror where everyone would see it first thing in the morning. The first day I did this, my 15-year-old came home from school and said, “Mom, I had a great day because of that picture you put up.” She started her day with a giggle thereby starting her day in a good mood and she told all her friends about it. Since it takes time finding websites where I can print funny pictures, last night I printed up a bunch so I have them on hand. Not only do the kids have a good laugh first thing in the morning, it makes for great dinner conversation when they come home.

When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you do is stretch, smile, and say out loud, “Something good is going to happen to me today.” Start your day expecting something good and something good will happen. You are, in essence, greeting God and scaring off the devil.

Dr. Phil McGraw has said several times that the first 14 seconds of time with your partner, whether it be first thing in the morning or when they get home from work, sets the tone for the rest of the day or evening. If you start off grumbling you are going to bring your partner and other family members down. Start off happy and everyone will be happy.

The brain releases a chemical called Serotonin. This chemical affects your mood. Excercise helps increase Serotonin levels. Go for a quick brisk walk and you will feel your mood lift.

Do something nice for someone. There is no doubt that doing a good thing gives you a good feeling. A news report recently told of a guy who was in downtown Toronto that day offering people hugs. He was shown giving hugs, petting dogs and opening doors for people. The news reporter was so impressed she tried it herself. It’s a great feeling to bring a smile to someone’s face. Smiles and hugs are contagious. There are tons of simple things you can do to bring a smile to someone’s face. Bring your sweetie a cup of tea or coffee when they aren’t expecting it, shovel your neighbour’s driveway, put a pick-me-up greeting card in someone’s mailbox, or do volunteer work.

Keep a Gratitude Journal. At the beginning of the day write down ten things you are grateful for. Starting your day thinking about the good things in your life will help you begin your day on a positive note. If you write in your Gratitude Journal before you go to sleep at night you will go to sleep feeling happy. Let go of your troubles before you go to sleep. Leave them in God’s hands and start fresh the next day.

We have a lot of troubles in our lives, especially with today’s economy, but we have a lot of good things going on too. Bring more good things to you by releasing positive energy. Share the happiness!