Personal Health and Happiness with Giddy Kitty

Have you ever had one of those days when you woke up feeling kind of run down, tired, even a bit out of sorts?

It is particularly difficult if you run your own home based or small business.

Those days seem to go from bad to worse, unless we make a continuous effort to turn it around.

How do you do that?

Here are ten ideas that can turn that dark day to one of sunshine.

1. Commit to changing your attitude from glum to fun. If we dwell on bad fortune or aches and pains, we are on a one-way downhill trip to Bluesville. Immediately say to yourself, “This is going to be a great day.” Then start to make it so. You can do the rest of the ideas in any order and as needed.

2. Sing or whistle a happy tune. Over the next few weeks, notice what songs leave you feeling upbeat and ready to meet the world. Write the names down and then try to find their lyrics. Sing them whenever you feel down. It sounds stupid, but it really works.

3. Take time to make yourself look and feel extra nice. Wear that new shirt or blouse you have been saving for a special occasion. A few compliments from those you meet about, how great you look, will go a long way toward lifting your spirits. Don’t forget to give out a few compliments of your own.

4. Speaking of appearance, don’t forget your smile. Remember the advice from the hit musical, Annie: “You are never fully dressed without a smile.” You can never get rid of a smile, because the one you smile at, will insist on giving you one back. Again it is an aquired skill for some, but worth practising.

5. Make a list of all the good things in your life. Don’t forget to write down the things that most of us take for granted, such as sight, hearing, mobility, and a clear mind, if they are among your blessings. It is hard to stay depressed in the face of abundance.

6. Make an effort to brighten someone else’s day. Take someone flowers, or write a note to someone who could use cheering. Your day will brighten as theirs does.

7. Do something good for yourself. Keep in mind that I said something good for yourself. Buying something new is good if you can afford it, and eating a candy bar is all right if your health permits. Splurging occasionally is great therapy.

8. Make time for fun. All work makes Johnny a dull boy, and Mary a drag,(my apologies to all the Johnny's, and Mary's). Go to a funny movie, or ride a merry-go-round, let your hair down.

9. Start planning a fun event like a vacation or party. Just thinking about its will give you something to smile about.

10. Give your body some good physical exercise. Much of the tension that makes us feel bad can be released by getting involved in a regular exercise program. A healthy body is, as they say, an important step toward having a healthy mind.

If you try some or all of these ideas and they work for you - as I know they will, you should be warned that having a great day can be addictive, but it is a wonderful way to live.

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