Enjoy the Moment
Bringing Happiness to the Holidays: Enjoy the Moment
It is frustrating, isn’t it? You dream of a life where you have more time, an organized home, time to exercise, eat right and spend more time with family. So when someone suggests you take an extra moment for "happiness" you are thinking in whose world? Not mine. Just the thought of adding something else to do, especially for yourself is sheer crazy talk. As your heart rate quickens, you dismiss it as fast as the contemplation.
Happiness comes from inside, not from external circumstances. You do not need to quit your job, move to an exotic location, or lose weight to be happy.
You must keep yourself in check and make time for in the moments of happiness. It might take a few minutes, hours, or days, but with consistency can become the healthiest habit. Enjoying the moment can cost little to nothing, and you get to carry them with you all the time.
No matter your situation, you can start right now.
What do you do to enjoy the moment?
Below I have shared some ways to stop and enjoy the moment:
In the moment mental vacation.
Spend a few minutes daydreaming. Your logical mind is constantly planning, analyzing, and thinking about the future. Give it a rest, and just be for a little while; you will feel refreshed.
Express your love and kindness.
Write a note or tell a loved one how you appreciate them. We so often think of nice things to do, but not always follow through. Positive emotions and communication lowers stress hormones, bad cholesterol, and blood pressure, and it strengthens immunity.
Swap a thought.
Remind yourself of all your positive traits and attributes. Swap a negative for a positive. Smile at yourself in the mirror.
Declutter one spot.
Take a few minutes to declutter one surface or area. Starting with a small area like the kitchen counter is easier than tackling a whole room. However, when your home and workspace are clear from clutter, your mind feels more spacious.
Holiday lights.
Instead of being in a rush to get home, take a moment to enjoy the Christmas lights. Remember the feeling it gave you as a child?
Eat with complete attention.
Put down the phone. Savor your meal by noticing all its tastes and textures and just how lucky you are. You will improve your digestion and feel more relaxed as a result.
Hug someone or something.
Give a friend, pet, or even yourself a hug. Soothing touch is relaxing and calming. An extra moment of unconditional love can improve your mood and even strengthen your heart.
Enjoy the Traffic jam.
Car horns are blaring, and you see break lights and stopped traffic for miles. Perfect-this means extra time to enjoy your favorite tunes. And, you will feel a little better about your situation.
I am thankful for
What are you thankful for? Making gratitude a permanent trait is proven to make us happier, healthier, and live longer. Start a gratitude journal. Each night before bed write town three things you are grateful for from that day. It could be hot showers, crock pots, coffee, your spouse, children.
Small things that help you appreciate yourself, your loved ones and the world around you will not only bring you moments of happiness this holiday season; it can add up to significant changes in your mindset.
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~Arthur Ashe
