8 Steps To Being Happy And Healthy

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is a hit by Bobby McFerrin. In this song, the message conveyed to its listeners suggests reasons for everyone to be happy. It’s a straight forward message, and one with best of intentions. Consider the alternatives. Is it really in your best interest to be down, grumpy or miserable? If you live your life this way you will likely become physically ill, which will compound your feeling miserable, which can spiral down a slippery slope to depression.

A happy, joyous and positive attitude is a wonderful way to journey through life. It is excellent for physical and mental health. Happiness helps keep us focused on the good, which helps keep the stress and depression from taking over. Depression and stress can be difficult holes to climb out of, and can trigger illnesses such as stroke or cancer.

It is an old saying that the only constant thing in life is change. But how often do we resist the simplest changes? It is a fact that life is constantly changing. If we do not adapt to the changes we will become anxious, miserable and sick. So decide right now, once and for all, to be happy, to be positive, and live life with gusto.

Keep in mind everyone is doing the best they know how to do. That does not mean it is right, or it is the best possible behavior – it means they don’t know any better. So when you socialize with others keep that in mind. If you can bring a little happiness into someone elses life you will both benefit from it.

It comes down to accepting people for who they are, and where they are at the moment. Make the effort to understand and empathize with others. As Dr. Stephen Covey, author of, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, states in his book:  Seek first to understand. When you learn the reason that someone is doing whatever they are doing, your understanding may help them with their challenges, and move them into happiness.

Remember happiness is everywhere all around you and in everyone around you. When you add to it you only bring more and that results in a joyous and healthy life. And as science has proven, a happy life is a long life. All you have to do is make a decision to be happy and follow through. You can make a choice between sad or joyous, miserable or relaxed, bright or dull and simply move on to a healthy and happy lifestyle choice.

For starters you can follow these steps:

1.       Be grateful: for life, your body, your health – just flat out for everything. Look around you and you will see that there is plenty to be thankful for. Thank God for everything that is. Thank the people around you for being helpful, or any reason there may be. This will make them happy, and in return increase your happiness. You are spreading the joy around.

2.       Avoid starting your day by listening to the news or talk radio. Remember bad news is what sells. Instead, take five minutes and meditate or do some deep breathing. Set your intention for your day, and then have a good one.

3.       Learn to develop inner peace. Find something bigger than yourself and become part of it. Many people find support and help in a religious environment. Find what works for you and go with it.

4.       Learn time management. Don’t waste time because you can never get it back.

5.       Laugh from the inside and laugh well and full every day – don’t hold it back.

6.       Always express and show your appreciation those around you.

7.       Working out is a good way to energize yourself.

8.       Give yourself some me time. Take time for a relaxing soak in a bubble bath, get a massage or go see an uplifting movie.

These are some ways you can become a happier person, and as a happier person you will also be a healthier person. The choice is up to you, so start playing that tune in your mind: Don’t Worry, Be Happy.