Sometimes daily routines are dull and boring, and at times even depressing. The good news is that there are simple ways to achieve a more fun-loving state of mind. The latest research confirms that you really can enjoy life more by just tweaking your daily routine. Here are some tips to make your day shine.
Instructions
1. Make friends more a part of your life. If it’s been a while since you’ve contacted an old pal, make a phone call. If you don’t have time for long visits, grab a quick cup of coffee, or arrange a time to meet and take a walk so you can exercise and socialize at the same time. Thirty minutes of brisk walking will boost your mood and help you feel good about yourself.
2. Learn to say “no.” Sometimes excessive demands from others can place a huge amount of stress on you. Practice ways to say “no” to extra responsibilities.
3. Take time to reduce stress. Stress weakens the body’s ability to turn off its own inflammatory response, and can worsen certain conditions that involve excess inflammation, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease. When you’re stressed, squeeze a loved one’s hand or pet a furry friend. Both are known to reduce blood pressure and help you relax. Get some extra inspiration. New research suggests that praying, meditating, reading inspirational quotes or attending religious services can lower the rates of many illnesses, from heart disease and hypertension to certain cancers.
4. Change your attitude. If your attitude is negative, you see things negatively. Having a happy outlook on life can cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other illnesses, adding dozens of years to your life. Scientists have recently discovered that happy people produce far less of the stress hormone cortisol. Write down positive things that happen to you daily. Frequently reminding yourself of all your good qualities will brighten your outlook.
5. Take better care of your body and mind. Both Pilates and yoga fight tension by incorporating deep breathing and stretching--a must for total fitness of the body and mind. Find a quiet place where you can relax. Close your eyes and visualize something soothing, like flowing water or a sunny day at the beach.
Tags: body mind, your attitude, your life