It seems like everyone these days has a formula for happiness. Do this. Don’t do that. Follow these steps for instant happiness. I don’t know that these three things will lead to happiness every minute of every day (what a laughable goal anyway), but I do know that the quality of your life will be improved to where you may not even feel like the same person! Read on to the end to get my free recipe for my favorite roller blend to boost my immunity–a must have year round to stay well!
Exercise
It sounds cliche, but exercise is life changing. Moving your body is absolutely essential for both physical and mental health. We all know that every weight loss program at the least recommends exercise, or at the most is focused around exercise. That’s because exercise has the potential to transform our bodies. During exercise our bodies become more oxygenated to support the additional requirements of the muscles which are built during exercise. Additionally, the energy requirements of exercise force our bodies to access the stored energy in our fat cells.
In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, mental health is improved during exercise, especially exercise that takes place outside with lots of green scenery. That’s one reason even a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood (if there is green in your neighborhood) can be a huge mood boost. One of my goals for myself this year is to take a walk everyday!
Mindfulness
Mindfulness has become a trendy buzzword in many circles. What exactly does “mindfulness” mean and how is it life changing? Mindfulness is simply being aware of the physical sensations you are experiencing as you are experiencing them. It sounds too easy to be of any therapeutic value, right? Try this. Take a piece of chocolate such as a Hershey kiss. Notice the wrapper and the sounds it makes as you unwrap it. See the color of the chocolate. Notice the smell as you move the chocolate closer to your mouth. Put the chocolate in your mouth. Notice the sweetness and the flavor of the chocolate. Feel the smoothness of the chocolate in your mouth as it melts. That is mindfulness. You don’t simply go through the motions of life. You notice each sensation as it is happening. Simply by slowing down and taking time to appreciate the small moments.
Practicing mindfulness has huge benefits for your mental health. It provides a tool to ground yourself when you are experiencing big emotions. It can prevent depressive episodes when practiced daily. It can decrease the effects of stress on your physical body. And mindfulness can increase emotional regulation.
Gratitude
In some ways practicing gratitude is similar to mindfulness. For both practices one is taking note of the events and sensations in daily experience. However, gratitude takes mindfulness to a deeper level. Expressing thankfulness for current circumstances is a very powerful tool in your emotional toolbox. Not only does expressing gratefulness reduce unpleasant emotions such as resentment and regret, but it enhances empathy . And the benefits are not only emotional. Gratitude practicing individuals report fewer physical ailments, pain from those ailments, and have a better quality of sleep.
If you are rusty at being grateful, start small. Think of one thing you can be grateful of every day for a week. The next week think of two things every day. The third week think of three things. Build up your gratefulness levels until you can think of at least ten things every day to be grateful for.
Wellness Roller
One of the things that I’ve learned as I’ve practiced mindfulness in conjunction with using essential oils is that all essential oils are not created equal. As I’ve become more attuned to what I’m putting on my body and experiencing with my senses I have realized that some essential oils don’t smell like the plants– they smell almost too sweet, and for good reason– Some essential oils are adulterated with synthetic fragrance to appeal to the sweet preference of many Americans.
But I’m not interested in synthetics…I’m only interested in the real deal. I’m so thankful that I found a source I can trust– and not only do they have the best oils on the planet, but they have a powerhouse drink that has me feeling ten years younger! What to know more? Get in touch!
That Shalom Life 