We all get caught up in day to day living, seemingly stuck on autopilot. You wake up, go to work, come home, bring the kids to soccer, make dinner, do chores, and get ready to do it all over again tomorrow. I know I've gotten stuck in a rut, feeling like I'm not getting anywhere, not accomplishing anything, sometimes even feeling insignificant.
In order to break that cycle, I had to disrupt it. Little by little, I started doing something different. These four activities here helped me improve my mood significantly.
Begin an exercise routine. Whether it's walking, yoga, or any other low impact, non strenuous activity, getting exercise is all around good for us, helping mind and body. Exercise is a great way to treat stress and can also help release endorphins and serotonin, natural mood enhancers produced by the brain.
Start a garden. This was the first year we started a garden and it's been an eye opener for me. I never realized the sense of accomplishment when you can pick your own peas, beans, tomatoes or whatever else we decide to grow. It's relaxing just working on the garden, getting my hands dirty and feel a special connection with nature itself when tending to it. We also compost, which simply makes me feel good that I'm doing something positive for the environment.
Try meditation. Meditation is a great way to find out what really is going on inside. It wasn't until I took the time and learn meditation did I realize how helpful it was. Even ten minutes a day can have a significant effect on those who practice it. But it does take practice.
Start a hobby. My passion was in music, but any hobby is a much needed break from everything else. We all need to take time in something we enjoy. Find that activity that you enjoy doing for no other reason than just enjoying it and you'll always have something to look forward to.
The biggest secret I have found to being happy is do what you want to do. Regardless of whatever anyone else thinks, you'll never be happy trying to live by their standards. Try one, two or all of these suggestions to start discovering what will help you figure out how to be happy.
