Tips for a Healthier, Happier You

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At some point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say that “happiness is a choice.” While genetics, hormones, and outlying circumstances can and will have an effect, at the end of the day, there is a choice that only you can make—will you let the situation get you down, or will you find a way to work around it?

Be Your Number One Fan

No, this does not mean that you have to toot your own horn. All it means is that for others to realize your worth, you’re going to have to be the first person to do so. If you are your own biggest detractor or naysayer, then how can you expect other people to see and believe otherwise?

It’s All a Matter of Perspective

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Learn to distance yourself from the things that make you see red but have no real control over, say, a bad traffic jam. Will your seething through the pile-up make things go any faster, or clear the roads sooner? Take a deep breath, count to five, ten, or even a hundred. After that, do your best to find a way to turn things around to your advantage, and see how much better things will be.

Focus on the Solution, Not the Problem

Again, will dwelling on the problem make it go away? Not really, right? If anything you’re only making it worse by digging an even bigger hole for yourself by wallowing in it. Remember that you can and always will have the ability to change things, even if the only thing you can do is how you look at it. If you’re at a loss to deal with a particularly tricky situation, seek help. Talk to a friend, colleague, or family member, depending on what the situation is. If anything, having someone to vent to will make you feel better.

Venture Away from Your Comfort Zone

Are you down in the doldrums because you think you’re stuck in a rut? Don’t just sit around waiting for things to happen—instead, make them happen. Try to do something you’ve never thought of doing before, even if it’s as simple as trying out a new shade of nail polish, or a different kind of cuisine.

Remind Yourself of What Truly Matters

Whether it’s finding a new job, buying that car, moving out of your parents’ house, you have to find something that you want to work towards to. Never lose sight of your dreams, your goals, and your ideals. You can even set up what some life coaches call “vision boards,” which are visual representations of the things you’re aspiring for. Seeing them and being reminded of them on a regular basis will help pump you up and motivate you into working towards them even more.