SIX Top Tips to Being Happy

One of June’s editorial themes is Happiness, and nothing can be more difficult to define. What actually is the definition of happiness and how does one achieve it, and better yet, consistently maintain it? If honest and completely transparent, most individuals would admit that they are still searching for, many in quiet desperation, the key ingredients and secrets to finding and living a life of fulfillment and happiness.

            While there are numerous methods and ways to achieve that ever-elusive happiness, given that each of us is unique, here are six effective tips to employ on one’s pursuit of happiness journey.

1.         Embrace You. This is finding one’s way back to gratitude by simply embracing what one has and where one is now. Unconditionally loving and accepting every aspect of oneself, including shortcomings, is vitally important. Only then can one go on to love and accept others, despite the circumstances.

2.         Fuel Your Machine. The body is a fine biomechanical organism that runs optimally when its “fuel,” or sustenance, is predominately plant-based and organic. The right fuel supports energy, longevity, mental clarity, and overall health and well-being. A diverse selection of leafy greens, brightly colored vegetables and fruit in their purest, near-to-nature form are ideal for optimal nutritional support.

3.         Move It! Physical activity is crucial. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to serious health issues, while an active lifestyle, incorporating fitness, supports the body’s repair and rebuild processes in muscle, bone and tissue. Rigidity sets in from lack of activity. One can retain strength and flexibility with exercise and movement. Dancing, running, competitive sports and yoga release “feel good” hormones in the body, which help to reduce stress and lift one’s spirit.

4.         Connect Deeply. In a high-tech world, one can easily become isolated. Connecting with friends and loved ones personally and intimately expands one’s circle of meaningful relationships. New relationships can open one’s heart in exciting ways, thus creating a larger capacity to give and receive love. In addition, relationships are good “practice ground” for learning to develop and express spiritual principles and interpersonal skills.

5.         Stretch Your Mind. Just as the body must be stretched to maintain flexibility, so must the mind by learning new ideas, information and concepts. By exploring other cultures, spiritual teachings and possibly even new languages, one’s cognitive ability can be greatly enhanced. This mental expansion helps to create mental and emotional fluidity while expanding one’s life experiences. Each individual should strive to expand his or her global view.

6.         Create Something New. By nature, humans are creative beings. Creativity with focused intentionality is a great way to enrich and enhance one’s life. Creative activities, such as painting, writing, blog development, gardening or cooking with new recipes, are great ways to stir the pot of meaningful vitality. One should challenge himself or herself to ever-increasing heights of creativity.

While happiness is a very abstract and multidimensional concept, proving very difficult to obtain, to those that enjoy its delectable fruits, the journey is well worth the reward.

For more information, call Carla DeRosa at 770-413-9046 or visit RawTalkCoach.com. Host of RAWTalk Weekly, DeRosa is a wellness coach and food medicine educator.