5 Things That Might Actually Make Your Day
By Sandy Schroeder
No, this is not a guarantee of endless bliss, or a blank check to spend on Amazon, but these are five solid basics that will make you feel really good. See what you think of Well and Good's suggestions.
Move more every day – Of course, we already know you are moving as you run to keep up with your daily tasks, but researchers say a couple of hours of weekly exercise will make the world look better, improve your weight, and boost your immune system.
Get outside daily – Time spent outdoors can be a little like going from black and white to full color. Everything is more immediate. If you wrap your exercise into your outdoor time, you may get double the mood boost. Researchers say they have found people who get outside tend to be more relaxed and less aggressive.
Slip into blissful sleep – Imagine what it would feel like to yawn at night and then head off to bed, snuggling in for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It is possible if you boot your phone, TV, and laptop out of the room, wind down before bedtime with a warm bath or soft music, and keep the room cool and dark with white noise from an air filter and light blocking drapes. Also remember to hold the caffeine, alcohol and smoking down in the evening. With this approach, your family may be surprised to see you smiling the next morning.
Reach out and connect – Taking the time and caring enough to take good care of those closest to you may seem obvious, but giving it your best shot can be a little harder than it looks. It may mean still smiling and still helping when you are exhausted, showing up for your kids’ games and programs, and going the extra mile to make birthdays and anniversaries truly memorable. In the next tier of friends, co-workers, neighbors and other contacts, being a reliable, honest supportive person is what it’s all about. If you have had some friends all of your life you know what a treasure that can be.
Stay spontaneous – I have treasured the magic of serendipity all of my life. The dictionary defines serendipity as “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” For me serendipity often meant spotting good things and reacting spontaneously to them. People, foods, music, and good books can all add more pleasure to your life, if you let them.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dacula, Ga.