A Healthier and Happier 2022
Be aware of how you look at stress. Our perception of stress affects the quality of our lives. Are you someone who believes stress gives you feedback about what is not yet perfect in your life, or do you feel being stressed means you are doomed?
Scientific research shows that the way we view stress has a direct impact on our health and happiness. When we think we are stuck, helpless, incapable, and totally overwhelmed, our body will respond in a way that helps us cope with the situation. Our heart starts pounding, our breathing accelerates, and we may perspire. If we view these reactions as signs of something bad happening and get anxious, we will begin to panic and sink deeper into overwhelm.
On the other hand, when we view our pounding heart and quickened heartbeat as the body's way of helping us face the situation we are in, we are less likely to feel stressed by these natural physiological reactions. This means that despite the challenge we face, our health and happiness are not disturbed by our body's natural response to a situation. When we perceive stress in this way, we turn it into our friend, rather than a foe. This sets us on the road to health and happiness. Our Mental Health is important at every stage of our lives
Nurturing an inner circle. People who are very close to us, who understand us and whom we trust to always be there for us when we need them form our inner circle. A close inner circle of friends has been clinically proven to make us healthier and happier people. This small inner circle of important people in our lives need our investment to grow and deepen the relationship. While knowing your worth as a friend, embrace vulnerability (begin with a small step at a time) and be persistent in finding your inner circle. Bear in mind that nobody is perfect, so cut some slack and try to not take things personally. Remember to be curious rather than judgmental; and show interest in others instead of focusing on being interesting. Carefully curate your most trusted, inner circle and you will be on the way to becoming a healthier and happier person.
Nurturing our body. Exercise regularly, eat well and wear colours that suit you. We represent ourselves and how we want to be seen or not seen. Feeling amazing because we are consciously taking care of ourselves is a wonderful feeling that not only gathers momentum, but also empowers us. This also releases the feel-good hormones - dopamine and serotonin - into our brain, which gives us a positive emotional lift.
If we can include all or most of the above points in our daily lives, we will be on our way to becoming healthier and happier people.