Does stress, fear and uncertainty in our current times get you down? Do you spend too much time on things which suck your energy and don’t lift your spirits or give you satisfaction? Sometimes much of our time just seems to slip away with nothing good to show for it. Well, as it turns out, there is hope and happiness available for you. You do have options, there is good news and there are lots of positive things you can do and should do. Lots of people are coming together to realise we can survive and thrive physically, mentally and spiritually even in these stressful times.
Why might it seem so difficult to find joy in our lives? Probably because we may be unaware of our programmed habits, thinking and behaviours, which have become engrained into our subconscious. Lots of behaviours and thinking are bad for us and also unfortunately addictive – not just drugs and alcohol, but negative emotions like fear and helplessness can become addictive too. We are probably addicted to our phones and social media. We may be addicted to TV.
The book Atomic Habits is a good insight into developing new habits, one very small step at a time.
So what can we do to survive everything which drags us ever downwards and lift ourselves to a place where we can enjoy this wonderful experience we have been gifted, called life?
Make a Promise to Yourself to Take Action
This website is all about getting informed and taking positive action, whether that’s for yourself, your family and friends, others or the wider world. So start by making a promise to take responsibility and actions for yourself. You deserve to have a good life!
MindReset is a quick and easy system for effectively tackling Stress, trauma, anxiety and sleeplessness
Action For Happiness is a movement, which has lots of ideas with a range of interviews and videos on how to develop a positive outlook for a happier life. https://www.youtube.com/@actionforhappiness
The World Council for Health is building a better way for health, freedom and sovereignty. Their mission is inspiring and cause for great hope. Join them 2nd-4th June in Bath for the Betterway Conference.
See This thought provoking Interview with Hope LoveJoy on The 6 Keys to Transformation
Try Some of These, They will help!
Decide to make different choices which will give you precious time and energy to change your life in positive ways you can’t imagine. Be aware that your mind and body will resist you breaking your current patterns of thought and behaviour and there are always a hundred excuses the voice in your head will give you for not doing something, or for giving up and going back to your old ways.
Getting happier and more fulfilled is not just a selfish thing either, because when we are strong and healthy and happy, it has an enormous positive effect on everyone around us too.
In no particular order
Energise your Physical and Mental Health
- LAUGHTER for Health and Happiness – local classes e.g. Duncan Place Community Hub, Leith
- Develop GRATITUDE: Click here to see Video ; read a Powerful Testimonial on the Healing Power of Gratitude
- Practice GROUNDING to recharge, protect and energise yourself
- Excercise is proven in hundreds of studies to be highly effective in improving both your Physical and your Mental Health.
- Join a Gym
- Go to Classes or do online classes such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zumba etc
- Cycling (join a club or sign up for Deliveroo to earn money)
- Swimming
- Dancing (at home or at classes – See Movement Medicine in Edinburgh)
- Tennis, squash, running (clubs)
- Walking – in nature, forests or by the sea
- Walk a your dog or someone else’s dog (see “borrow my doggy”)
- Take regular Saunas – CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAUNA
- Take daily cold showers (see Wim Hof)
- Use Breathing Techniques for Health and Relaxation
- Learn and Practice Meditation daily
- Spend time outdoors in natural light every day
- Choose, grow, forage fresh, organic, local natural foods
- Drink more water
- Develop proper sleep habits and sleep better
- Take high dose vitamin D especially in the winter
More Mood Lifting Activities
- Gardening and Growing Plants and Food
- Take quiet time daily to practice meditation, mindfulness and/or prayer
- Write Creatively – articles, stories or even a book
- Smile at people and say hello to strangers
- Write a letter to uplift, amuse, thank or encourage someone and post it to them.
- Sign up for courses to build or learn new skills e.g. art, languages, plumbing or anything
- Seek out and connect face to face with friends and like minded people, groups, clubs
- Play games with your friends / children / pets / friends
- Feel empowered by taking small steps, don’t be overwhelmed with the big stuff you can’t change.
- Spend time in a place of worship or spirituality
- Attend events at your local community centre
- Read uplifting Books – or Listen to Audible books which provide knowledge and inspiration
- Get creative
- drawing and painting,
- sculpting,
- woodwork,
- model building,
- knitting
- Upcycling old furniture
- Join a club to play chess, bridge, scrabble
- Listen to uplifting music
- Learn to play an instrument
- Join a band, orchestra or choir
- Host a dinner for friends
- Laugh and make plans to engage in activites which are fun.
- Try Laughing classes or yoga!
- Educate and improve yourself with personal development
- Seek out and participate in projects for your community
- Practice forgiveness, of yourself and others
- Decide to take responsibility
Effect Change through Action
- Nurture nature and Grow your own See here for ideas to get started
- Buy fresh food from local producers – see The good food project
- Take up foraging for edible plants, mushrooms and herbs
- Learn to cook, buy fresh local ingredients, eat more healthy
- Reduce and strictly limit your time on social media.
- Support local shops and businesses.
- Use cash wherever possible
- Stand up for what you believe and refuse to comply with rules or laws you know to be unethical or unfair.
- Watch less TV
- Stop reading or listening to the mainstream news
- Start a club or regular meeting which a group of like minded people will enjoy, based around a hobby or interest.
- Teach Classes or share learning with others.
- Take up Volunteering
- Visit elderly neighbours
- Start or participate in projects for your community
- Pick up litter around your streets
- Carry out Random acts of kindness
- Join Support or campaigning groups
- Attend council meetings
- Make an appointment to meet your MP at their surgery
- Write to your local and national politicians and councilors.
- Stand as an independent councillor or MP See https://www.nocorruptionalliance.com/ for support