Happiness is Yours, If You Want It

All of us want to be happy, but we have differing ideas of what “happiness” entails.  Think about the happiest people you know–all of them probably have child-like qualities, the ability to play, to find joy in little things, to be curious, and to persist with something that they want to do (think about a baby trying to walk or a four year old watching an ant lug a crumb of bread). 
    Research indicates why some people live longer than others who share the same genes and environment.  These studies demonstrate that emotions and reactions to stressful situations either flood your body with serotonin, a natural chemical that soothes and relaxes you, or cortisol, a natural chemical that raises blood pressure and puts your body into a “fight or flight” mode.
    While you cannot control events and people’s reactions around you, you can take steps to help your body produce serotonin.  The most basic thing you can do is stop reacting to your life without thinking about what you’re doing.  Like many of us, you probably rush through your day, mopping floors, typing reports, chauffeuring kids, sorting mail, feeding the dog, vacuuming up crushed cereal, etc.  Experts in life skills (also known as life coaches or motivational speakers) advise you to stop four or five times a day for five minutes at a time.  By stopping, I mean that you sit down and put your feet up, emptying your mind as you snuggle into the couch.  Spend at least one of your five minutes on your knees.  If you’re afraid you’ll distract yourself for too long and get more stressed because you think you’re falling further behind, set a timer!
    Space the breaks out during the day, maybe just after you’ve dressed and are ready to go to work or to drive your kids to school, then just before or after lunch, after work or when your kids are doing homework, right after dinner, and just before bed.  Some studies show that five minutes five times a day can provide more stress relief than a half hour in the middle of the day.
    But you may simply be too scattered (join the club!) to take several five minute breaks–the day tends to get away from you and you discover it’s 3:00 p.m. and you’ve only stood up from your desk to visit the bathroom or eat a piece of cheese while you pawed through your filing cabinet.  If this is the case, stop, set your timer for one half hour and take a nap.  Put your head down on your desk if necessary (do check with your boss–but if you skipped lunch, she shouldn’t care).
    Remember, you can’t be efficient or productive if you don’t take care of your basic needs.  Choose right now and repeat after me, “I’m a good person and I deserve to be happy” then go take that nap!!



Corrie Lynne Player