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Are you searching for some easy ways to add more happiness into your day? Going to work and taking care of kids often leave us tired, feeling empty and drained at the end of the day. Maybe you were super busy but you still can’t remember what you actually got done. Then, you go to bed knowing you get to do it all over again the next day. In this post I will explain 5 easy daily rituals for a happier life that I try to stick to every day. Perhaps, you too will find some value in these rituals.
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Daily Rituals For a Brighter Day
1. Remember to Be Kind
My daily rituals start first thing in the morning. I remind myself to be kind to others that day. Showing kindness not only makes the other person feel good, but it will make you feel good too. You will find if your kindness comes from a place of authenticity, that this kindness is remembered by the world. It’s funny how this works but it will come back to you when you least expect it.
At the end of the day, I look back and think about the ways I showed kindness to others. Did I let someone in front of me in rush hour traffic? Open the door for an elderly person or a mother with a stroller? Pick up a friend’s child at the bus stop? Did I give a heartfelt compliment to someone that day? Stayed a little longer at a friend’s house because they needed to talk?
By keeping track of my “kindness,” I become accountable for my actions and am more aware of it throughout the day. When you take the focus off yourself, you become less self-absorbed.
Take it one step further and start looking for ways to help people–your friend is looking for a new job, your neighbor needs to find a new home for their puppy, a co-worker is looking for a friend she can talk to–you get the picture. You’ll suddenly be amazed how your problems seem less important. I find that my mood improves and I become more organized, and efficient at getting my own work done. Don’t ask me the science behind this; It just works!
2. Get Moving
The next daily ritual is to schedule some sort of activity into your day. For me, it’s a session on the treadmill, working out to a dvd, running outdoors, or walking with my dog, husband, or a good friend. It’s amazing how you will find time to do something like this when it becomes a priority.
For a couple of months, I found that I couldn’t fit working out into my schedule except on weekends. This was very sad on my part because I work from home! However, once I made exercise a priority, it was easy to fit it into my daily schedule. In addition, I added other bursts of activity into my day. Like running up the stairs instead of walking them, walking really fast when I’m at the mall, jogging to my mailbox–anything to get moving a little faster.
All of these little things add up. You should feel good about these small bursts of activity because they do matter and do contribute to your overall well-being. In addition, try picking up some weights or a kettlebell . Especially for ladies, you’ll feel empowered, and strong in mind and body once you start lifting weights. Start out with light dumbbells (2.5 to 5 lbs to start) or a kettlebell (10 to 20 lbs to start) and go from there. I guarantee if you stick with it for a couple of weeks, you will see definition in your arms.
My go-to and absolute favorite 30-minute workout dvd is Xtreme Timesaver Training by Jackie Warner. It’s the best all-over body workout (in my humble opinion) that I ever bought! You can also find some really great, time-saving kettlebell workout dvd’s like Shred-It With Weights by Jillian Michaels on Amazon.
3. Go Easy on Yourself
Go easy on yourself-especially when you skip your formal workout or when you indulge in something sweet and tasty (I have a weak spot for these absolutely amazing brownies!). Life should be enjoyed. You can always eat more veggies at dinner, skip dessert, or do an activity later that day or in the evening. There’s always tomorrow to get back on track.
4. Get Creative
I’m a big believer in having a creative outlet. Something productive that you really enjoy in order to fill your mind and soul. For me, it’s writing on this blog. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that something I researched and shared, might help someone else. I especially like to share ideas on how to make money from home. If just one mom finds an idea on this blog that helps her add some extra money to her family’s monthly income, then it was all worth it. This thought alone gets me out of bed at 5:45 a.m. with a spring in my step.
For you, it could be learning a new hobby, writing a book, starting a scrapbook, trying new recipes, writing on a blog–whatever drives your creative spirit. Having a creative outlet can get you through a tough day. And guess what? Learning something new gives you more to talk about with your family and friends and when it’s something you enjoy, your excitement will be attractive to others.
5. Reward Yourself
And now for my final daily ritual…..REWARD YOURSELF! Not weekly or monthly, but daily. My reward happens to be my favorite Starbucks drink: a tall, nonfat, no-whip mocha. I have been drinking this drink for over ten years. First, in its’ full fat, whipped cream version, then as the years passed and the pregnancy weight needed to come off, the lighter version with nonfat milk and no whipped cream (ALMOST as good in my opinion).
Your reward can be whatever you want it to be–within reason! I like the burst of energy I get from this drink between 2:00-3:00 p.m., and it satisfies my chocolate craving. Plus, I get a little extra protein, calcium, iron and vitamin A from it. Since I know I’m indulging in this in the afternoon, I’m much better at controlling my chocolate craving (uh…brownies) earier in the day.
So that’s it, my 5 easy, daily rituals for a happier life. Wouldn’t you like to spend time with someone that’s kind, excited about life, and has an interesting story to tell? I know I would. So go out in the world, be kind to others, get moving, find something creative to do, go easy on yourself, and embrace your reward…you deserve it!
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