What to Do When Peace of Mind Just Disappears
By Sandy Schroeder
Staying positive can be a real challenge when the plumbing fails, a child gets hurt, or bad news arrives in the mail. If you can relate, you might welcome some of the Harvard Health suggestions for moving past obstacles and continuing on to satisfying solutions.
Some days I find myself subsiding into negativity or looking for diversions after one issue after another surfaces. When deadlines collide, family members become increasingly irritable and dinner looms, you really need some boosts to pull everything together.
Some people are just naturally more positive, but Harvard researchers say 40 percent of our happiness comes from the choices that we make.
Here are some tips that might help.
Reach out to people with similar problems - If you are a mom or dad trying to juggle work and kids on a daily basis, talking with other moms and dads may be a real breakthrough. Look for friends and family with issues that are similar to yours and swap information online, with Skype or one-on-one with walks and talks.
Gets some tips from the seniors - Researchers have found people in their 70s are often happier than they were when they were younger. Perspectives change as life slows down and experience accumulates. Talk with your aunts, uncles or grandparents and really listen to their tips for happiness. They have probably encountered many of the challenges you are dealing with and they might see a better array of solutions.
Take it outside and keep moving - When the day seems endless and you are still dealing with the problems you started with, a brisk walk, quick run or short bike ride might do a lot to smooth out the stress and restore your resilience. You may return refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the day.
Help someone - No matter how tired and frustrated you may be, you may discover people with bigger problems and less resources. Look around your community or neighborhood and take the time to help someone. Drop off a plate of cookies for a lonely neighbor, or take the time to call and talk with an old friend who seems depressed. Look for ways to volunteer that match your skills and interests and make the effort to offer help.
Think about your childhood - As you deal with restless children, consider what your parents or grandparents did. Teach a child to plant seeds, or bake a banana loaf and please you and them. Learn a new sport or how to play guitar and open the door to hours of pleasure. Puzzles, sketchbooks, journals and board games work too. Share memories and pictures of what you were like when you were 10 or 12.
Happiness has a million different facets when you really look to see what is possible. As always, attitude can make a huge difference.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Euless, Tex.