I’m writing this blog on a Sunday morning. I’ve only had 4 hours sleep so I’m very tired, but I’m floating on a cloud.
I feel really happy and uplifted despite my lack of sleep.
I’ve just been on an all day salsa event. 7 hours of classes followed by 5 hours of social dancing.
(You might remember from a previous blog that I absolutely love dancing).
I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had much time to dance.
I didn’t realise just how much I’d missed it….just how giddy it makes me feel….I danced my little feet off.
I had an absolutely wonderful time because dancing makes me soooo happy.
What makes you happy?
What lifts your spirits?
What are the things that make your soul sing?
Do you know??
Lots of people don’t give their happiness or pleasure much thought at all.
Could it be a hobby or sport, your pet, your partner, your family, volunteering, exercising, concerts, running, painting, baking, holidays?
I could go on and on…
Whatever it is, I suggest you find it, if you haven’t already, and do it as much as you possibly can!
Life’s not always easy, and that’s especially been the case for the last 3 years or so.
We’ve all been through so much with Brexit, Covid, Wars and the cost of living crisis.
And it doesn’t look like things are going to improve anytime soon.
That’s on top of all the “normal” things that happen – bereavement, redundancy, break ups etc.
I’ve seen so many people lately who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, excessive drinking and just general unhappiness….and all that on top of their low self-esteem.
The nation’s mental health is the worst it’s ever been in my opinion.
The best way to tackle your mental health is with self-care.
The best way to tackle your emotional health is with self-care.
The best way to tackle your unhappiness is with self-care.
Do you get my drift?
Self-care is ANYTHING that makes you feel good. Anything at all….as long as it doesn’t harm you (excessive food/drinking/drugs) or anybody else.
I believe everybody has something that can lift them out of unhappiness.
Most people have lots of things. We just have to put a bit of effort into finding them.
It might sound simplistic but when you spend time with people or doing things you love you feel happier. The more you do it, the happier you feel.
When you’re happy, you can’t be stressed or anxious, they’re mutually exclusive.
I often get my clients to write a list of 20 things they enjoy doing or that bring them pleasure.
They look at me in horror when I suggest it, because doing things that make them happy feels alien to a lot of them. (Crazy, but true).
A lot of us have forgotten how to make ourselves happy. Or we just get too busy, like I did with my dancing.
Clients tell me that they can’t possibly think of 20 things. But with a bit of effort they can and they do.
The secret is to write them down.
Small things, big things, things on your own, things with others. Things you haven’t done for years. Write them all on your list then stick it on your fridge and keep adding to it.
When you find yourself with a spare 20 minutes, consult your list and indulge yourself. Try to do 2 things every day off your list and watch your happiness levels increase.
Encourage all the other members of your family to do the same. Especially your children if you’ve got any. That way they’ll grow up focusing on their happiness and not feeling like it’s an alien concept like a lot of us adults do.
Everything doesn’t have to be grand or time consuming or expensive.
It can be as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to fully enjoy your favourite coffee….savouring every mouthful.
Make sure you extract every bit of pleasure possible from everything you do.
Simple pleasures are life’s treasures….
A hot shower, clean sheets, a bubble bath.
And use your best bubbles, shampoo and perfume!
Use your best china and table cloth too. Or whatever feels special to you. Why not? What are you waiting for? Treat yourself every day. You’re worth it, you really are.
I always say it; we weren’t put on this earth to be unhappy.
Put some effort into this and see how much it lifts your spirits.
If you REALLY want to skyrocket your happiness then check out my product page here. I have a range of products that will guide you on your journey to high self esteem and happiness.
If you’re fed up of being fed up then go there now and take some action. No-one else can do it but you. Why not start with my little E book and go from there?
Two of the happiest ladies I’ve ever met are in my salsa group. They are both trim, stylish, absolutely brilliant dancers and in their mid-70s!
They’re happy BECAUSE THEY’VE FOUND THEIR PASSION AND DANCE EVERY DAY!
They dress up, do their hair and makeup and travel round the country together looking for the best salsa they can find. They’re absolutely fabulous role models. I’m having some of that!
It’s time to be happy again – high time I would say!
Right, I’m off for a much needed nap.
Much Love
Christina xx