Further to our recent discussion of optimism and the need for gratifications in our life, I found this on one of my executive coach friend's Facebook page about what makes us happy. It's just an article he found elsewhere, but it is a quick and easy read and provides a nice list of simple ways to be happier. See the article here and for those really without the time to check it out, the ten easy ways are these:
1. Exercise more
2. Sleep more
3. Shorten your commute
4. Spend time with friends and family
5. Go outside
6. Help others
7. Practice smiling
8. Plan a trip
9. Meditate
10. Practice gratitude
So ... not so hard. Most of those are easy to do.
I would like to add to the list this item: "Doing something that you love." For me at the moment this includes photography. This is something I have always had some interest in but over the last year or so I have gotten seriously back into it. Lately, in fact, I have started shooting film again, which is really fun as it makes you really think about what you are shooting because each shot costs money. But the quality of film is different from digital too, which I also really appreciate.
Hi Ken!
ReplyDeleteSince you mentioned some of the things that make us feel good in today's class...I wanted to actually check them on your blog post. It definitely makes me feel better when I get enough sleep. I personally feel listening to music and going shopping also help to relieve stress.
I also have a personal experience where I helped someone out and that made me happy. I think it was two days ago...This man from India was trying to find "Yodobashi" so I took him to Kichijoji and handed him a piece of paper with the question "Where is Yodobashi?" in Japanese. I had plans so I thought the man could show this paper to someone at the station. The man thanked me and I was glad I was able to help him :)
Moeka
Hi Moeka,
DeleteThanks for responding, and what a wonderful description you have provided of a "happy making" event. Not only does helping others make us happier, but according to Dan Pink it is a key element in motivation (this from his book "Drive.")
Ken,
ReplyDeleteYou might know this, but writing three things you are grateful for every night for 21 days is an interesting way to hack happiness that actually worked for me. The problem was creating the habit of writing everyday, but that was the point (it takes 21 days to create a habit, thus training the mind to create a habit of being grateful.)
Also, I think as ICU students we are less prone to stress because of the welcoming environment. I think the challenge is to stay in such an environment that doesn't overstress you. Although getting enough sleep, eating right, etc. are very important, being in a healthy environment is another important factor to happiness.
Take
Tak
Hi Tak,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response, and these are great points you make. I like the idea of each night writing down three things one is grateful for, and I too would have trouble with creating the habit, but I am going to give it a try. I am glad to hear that you also think ICU is a welcoming environment.