I was doing a little online perusing lately and stumbled upon an article entitled “10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Incredibly Happy” (https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/10-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-incredibly-happy-wed.html). I want to disclaim that the article was written in 2013. However, who the fuck cares? Like science proven these factors? That seems awfully legit to me. Of course, we are living during a time when science is being doubted and questioned and made less important. Where I’m concerned though, science rules. I’m a facts kind of gal.
I am going to share those ten factors with you right now and then we are going to systematically break them down over the next two weeks. Good? Good.
- Exercise- 7 Minutes Could Be Enough
- Sleep More: You’ll Be Less Sensitive to Negative Emotions
- Spend More Time With Friends/Family: Money Can’t Buy You Happiness
- Get Outside More: Happiness is Maximized at 57 Degrees
- Help Others: 100 Hours a Year is the Magic Number
- Practice Smiling: Reduce Pain, Improve Mood, Think Better
- Plan a Trip: It Helps Even if You Don’t Actually Take One
- Meditate: Rewire Your Brain for Happiness
- Move Closer to Work: A Short Commute is Worth More Than a Big House
- Practice Gratitude: Increase Happiness and Satisfaction
Okay. There they are, for your viewing pleasure. Ten ways for you to turn that grumpy ship around right now. Ready?
Well maybe you are and maybe not so much.
I had a few initial thoughts that I’m going to share with you. Ready?
- This shit was a lot easier to do before the pandemic (for some of us) but can be challenging generally
- Most of this requires some time commitment
- Some of this is only feasible if it is—in other words, we can’t necessary make it happen or manifest it, despite what certain self-help books will tell you
- I agree with this list
Wowza. Did you think I was going to throw in that last one? Maybe not. I know you are going to read the list and my comment and maybe feel a little pissed. Like, oh yeah? Cool. Sure. I’ll just do this shit and I’ll be happy. Well, we all know things don’t work that way. There’s no magic wand that brings around happiness the same way that I don’t look like Melissa Wood Health just because I religiously perform her workouts seven days a week.
We are unique individuals with our own brains and bodies and life situations. We are constantly facing very personal challenges that might make it nearly impossible or at least improbable to do one or more of the above. Sometimes we are actually quite depressed and require the intervention of a professional or the prescription of medication. That’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with that and I’m not suggesting that this list is a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all situation. I’m saying that at a quick glance, I agree with this list in principle. I am saying that it is a good place to start. I’m saying that even if things feel shitty, doing one or more of these things will probably make them feel a little better if not a lot.
On that note, let’s just jump in, shall we? You see what I did there? Jump in? I know. I’m so damn funny. Okay, not really maybe.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love me some exercise. I love how it makes me feel. I appreciate the way it helps me look.
I am aware of three main challenges when it comes to exercise. I am well aware that there are likely far more than three, but I want to speak to this trio because I believe it is the most impactful on one’s ability to get ‘er done. The magical trifecta is comprised of the following: time, motivation, and physical ability.
Even those of us (moi) who don’t have dependents in any fashion might struggle to find the time to exercise. The problem is that the time we have is not really time we want to spend exercising. For example, if I want to sleep in a little, there goes my exercise time. If I want to relax and decompress before I eat dinner after work, there goes my exercise time. Compounding this issue is the notion that we have to put in a certain amount of time exercising for it to be effective or meaningful. What’s particularly frustrating is the idea that sometimes we opt to do nothing over a littler something.
I can tell you that this is something I’ve said to one particular loved one of mine time and again: when it comes to exercise, something is always better than nothing. Did you read what I just wrote? I mean it. You have five minutes to stress? Awesome. You have 10 minutes to walk? Brilliant. Fifteen minute abs? Do it. Do not hold fast to an idea that you have to do a certain amount of exercise. Sure, you’ll need a particular amount to effect certain change to the body, but to generate some good ‘ol endorphins and derive that happiness benefit we are striving for, a few minutes is truly all you need.
Another secret? When you do a few minutes, it often feels so good that you find yourself making time for more.
Motivation. Tricky, tricky motivation. This is a tough one. We all have a lil bit of slug in us, particularly when it’s cold, a long day, a grumpy time, etc. There is always a reason not to do exercise. It is hard to get your ass in gear when you just aren’t feeling it. This is where that little bit of time comes in super handy my friends. You mean to tell me that you can’t motivate yourself to do five minutes of something? Stop yourself. It is not always easy, but you have to dig deep and recognize that it’s a pulling off the band-aid thing. I exercised first thing this morning and maaaan did I feel good. I was tired as shit and didn’t feel like it, but I was able to derive the benefits of all that good energy and also, I can just chill when I get home from work. Good stuff.
Last but not least, physical ability. As a yoga teacher and a fairly compassionate person, I recognize that many of us have physical limitations. The beautiful part of this connected world we live in is that there is something for everyone. I am not being flippant or facetious. Depending on what parts of your body work or don’t, there is something that you can do, on your own or with the aid of someone knowledgeable. If you struggle because you think you can’t afford help, I assure you that there are good people out there that will help you if you just Google. Truly. I will. I have friends who will. YouTube will.
I know it sucks exercising sometimes. I know it feels like another chore, but I promise you, it will help shift your physical being to effect a shift of your mental and emotional state. Of that, I am certain.
L.
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