How to: Be happier!

Ok, so this is a blog entry that has nothing to do with food, so I'm sorry for any of you who were looking for a new recipe. Even though you don't get a healthy recipe, you DO get some healthy living advice, which is the real reason that I blog.

Anyway, some background on my life the last couple of weeks: I realized that my life was completely hectic and crazy, and it was making me stressed out and unhappy. I made a decision to "de-clutter my life." The point of this was to slowly eliminate things in my life that were causing me stress, anxiety, or anything else that is just not positively influencing me, and add things into my life that will make me more happy. I started with my schedule by leaving my internship. I also have been taking efforts to clean out my car and my apartment. I started the Self Challenge, which has helped me refocus my energy on healthy habits. (To update you on this: I have only missed 2 workouts so far, and I have really stuck to my healthy eating plan! I have even been eating well when I go out. Think turkey burger and a side salad at Flying Saucer; enchiladas verdes, hold the cheese and sour cream, with a side of streamed veggies at Paloma Blanca. Both meals were DELICIOUS, and it really helped me remember that I don't have to eat things I don't like just because I'm eating healthier. How motivating is that?)

While I was on the Self website, I came across this blog entry: 10 Keys to Happier Living. They mention a new social movement called Action for Happiness, which is founded in the idea that people can come together to promote happiness for everybody. It sounds cheesy, I know, but they also emphasize starting by making your own happiness a priority. Because of the negative effects of stress and anxiety on our bodies, happiness is a HUGE part of living a healthy lifestyle. The program here sounds a lot like what I've been doing with my "de-cluttering," so I wanted to share these 10 principles with all of you. These are the 10 Keys to Happier Living, which are conveniently given in the acronym G.R.E.A.T. D.R.E.A.M, and you can learn more here.


1. Giving--do things for others.
Q: What do you do to help others?

2. Relating--connect with people
Q: Who matters most to you?

3. Exercising--take care of your body
Q: How do you stay active and healthy?

4. Appreciating--notice the world around
Q: When do you stop and take notice?

5. Trying out--keep learning new things
Q: What new things have you tried recently?

6. Direction--have goals to look forward to
Q: What are your most important goals?

7. Resilience--find ways to bounce back
Q: How do you bounce back in tough times?

8. Emotion--take a positive approach
Q: What are you feeling good about?

9. Acceptance--be comfortable with who you are
Q: What is the real you like?

10. Meaning--be part of something bigger
Q: What gives your life meaning? Here's to happiness!