Just be happy!

Many health gurus teach us that if you are happy and relaxed the body goes into repair mode and gives you a much better chance to recover from disease and become healthy. When we are upset or stressed out our bodies are busy being prepared for fight or flight so there's not much resources left for repairs. If we stay in this state for a long time the back log of needed repairs is getting longer and longer and your health can be (probably will be) affected. If you already have a health problem it will be harder to recover.

But all you need to do is to be happy, right?  Preferably all the time! Easy peasy...or not... let’s see if we got this one right. Soooo... if you just got diagnosed with a possibly fatal disease… or if you are extremely stressed out and depressed... you just make sure to be happy and your body will fix itself. There we go, problem solved!  We just have a tiny detail to figure out before our body starts doing all that repairing. How do you manage to start getting into happy mode and make more frequent visits there until you manage to stay happy most of the time? 

This may seem nearly impossible for a person that is in chock or in a depression. But if you manage to take one small step at a time to get you closer to more frequent visits to happiness mode you can improve how you perceive life. The simple procedure of writing a list of the things that you love to do and that makes you smile can help.  Just writing the list can put a smile on your face because it puts your mind on situations that makes you feel good. If you make it a priority to incorporate at least one or two of the listed items in your everyday activities you are on your way to become happier!  It's not the hard to reach activities, like parachuting or taking a trip to Galapagos that you put on the list, but the simple things like a walk in the park, enjoying a cup of your favourite tea, hugs from your loved ones, a pet you love, spending a moment with a close friend or reading an uplifting book. 

The items on your list can also be an inspiration for creating a gratitude list. Isn't everything that makes you feel great something to be grateful for? If you recognize simple things to be grateful for each day, you are moving even more towards a happier life! 
Dan Buettner explores happy populations to see what they can teach us. His results may help you on your way if you want to try happiness the Blue Zones way?

Be happy and shine your light for all to see!