Every day most of us go to bed thinking of the things we should have done better and how it will be different tomorrow. The reality is most us won’t make major changes by tomorrow. Sounds depressing – but sometimes the truth stings. Instead of thinking of ways to change the entire way operate, focus on 7 simple things you can accomplish over 7 days. But, don’t start today. Put this plan in motion for the next Monday on the calendar. If you are reading this on a Monday then why not start today?
Ok – So for 7 days pick one of these rules and live by it. They sound simple, but each creates its own challenge. At the end of 7 days come back to our post and tell us how you feel.
Smile More
If you are feeling down or having a rough day, it is possible to cheer yourself up by simply thinking of a person, place or situation that makes you smile! Indeed, research in psychology has shown that the physical act of smiling will make you feel happier, even if you are just flexing the muscles of your mouth and not intentionally smiling!
Exercise For 45 Minutes
I knew, intellectually, that this worked, but how often have I told myself, “I’m just too tired to go to the gym”? Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters. Even a 10-minute walk can brighten my outlook.
Don’t Eat Any Sugar
A high-sugar diet boosts blood sugar, which in turn plays havoc with your heart by increasing levels of LDL cholesterol while lowering heart-friendly HDL cholesterol, and tripling your risk for a fatal cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar a day, and men no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams).
Give To Someone
Find ways, even if they are small, to give to others. Stop to talk with someone and lend an ear, offer to assist a friend in need or volunteer at a local charity. You will begin to view your own problems with a new perspective, and you will feel better about yourself by realizing that you can make a difference in the lives of others.
Don’t Drink Any Caffeine
If you have difficulty sleeping, caffeine could be the culprit. Try cutting back on caffeinated drinks, and limit yourself to drinking them early in the day. And if that doesn’t help, try cutting out caffeine altogether and substituting caffeinated beverages with products such as decaf coffee or herbal tea. Remember, many sodas and energy drinks contain caffeine, as do many energy bars and foods with chocolate.
Live In Love All Day
We all have 24 hours in a day. For me, one of the recipes of happiness is to fill as many of those hours with love, be it work, people, passions, or even pets. Love fearlessly. I try my best to do what I love for as many hours possible every day. I love entrepreneurship. I love martial arts. I love my loved ones. I love my friends. I love my dogs. I love movies. I love reading. I love traveling. It is no surprise that you will find me doing all of those things in a given year with people I love. We cannot control many things in life, but we can control how much love we embrace in our lives.
Go Green
If coffee’s not your thing, green tea also has proven longevity cred, likely because it contains powerful antioxidants known as catechins that may help combat diabetes and heart disease. In a large study of more than 40,000 Japanese men and women, drinking five or more cups of green tea a day was associated with a 12 percent decrease in mortality among men and a 23 percent decrease among women.