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  Sep 8 2007, 10:41 AM
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Forum Super Administrator
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QUOTE 7 Ways to Make Yourself Happier in the Next Hour
Written by GRETCHEN RUBIN
Friday, 06 April 2007
You can make yourself happier — and it doesn’t have to be a long-term ambition. You can start right now. In the next hour, check off as many of the following items as possible. Each of these accomplishments will lift your mood, as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals. The first one is to boost your energy, which can be an easy, quick transformation...
1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic too.
2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.
3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult e-mail, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.
4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule” — i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood.
5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (not something you think you should read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater — whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.
6. Do a good deed: make an e-mail introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good — this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.
7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions — turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likeable, healthy, and productive — and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well.
Feel happier yet?
______________________________
Gretchen Rubin is writing The Happiness Project, an account of the year she spent test-driving the current scientific studies and wisdom of the ages about how to be happy. On her popular blog, The Happiness Project, she recounts her day-to-day adventures as she strives to be happier.
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Be Well....
~Lindsay ♥, Forum Super Administrator
Founder, depressionforums.org
Forum Super AdministratorDF member since Dec 2001  ---- "I cannot make my mark for all time...those concepts are mutually exclusive.
"Lasting effect" is a self -contradictory term. Meaning does not exist in the future, nor do I.
Nothing will have meaning, "ultimately."
Nothing will even mean tomorrow what it did today. Meaning changes with the context.
My meaningfulness is in the here and now. It is enough that I may be of value to someone today.
It is enough that I make a difference now." ~Lindsay
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Sep 11 2007, 01:49 PM
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Senior Member
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From: Cal-i-FOR-nee-Eye-A
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I meant to start doing a lot of those things today, at least all but part of number 7...I haven't SMILED since 1986.
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'Love is a strange emotion. When one thinks of it, a conflicting multitude of thoughts arise. Love is pitiful and marvelous, empowering and parasitic. It is hideous; it is beautiful. It is weak and strong at the same time. Love has started wars, ended wars, caused the depression and death of millions, as well as caused uncountable others to be thrown to the heights of ecstasy. So is love truly such a pure, lovely thing? I think it is a mixture of both. Just as nothing is purely good or evil, so is love.'
Anonymous
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Dec 12 2007, 03:16 PM
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I'm printing this one and keeping it nearby
I need some simple strategies to help me feel like I can do this!
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Jan 7 2008, 10:41 AM
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Some good suggestions there. I often go for a short jogs because it makes me feel better. I also like sticking close to friends because really they're pretty much the only thing that keeps me happy.
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Feb 6 2008, 10:12 PM
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I found that I do pace often, when I am desperate for something to help me.... I can't force a smile on my face though... it might as well hurt.
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Apr 21 2008, 06:39 PM
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the "acting happy" thing definitely worked for me...it's tough sometimes to force myself to do it though. and i still feel alone but it helps! haha..so doe s reaching out to a friend
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May 21 2008, 11:58 PM
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And when none of this does a D*** thing?
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Jul 12 2008, 08:22 PM
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numbers six on seven on that list are great and are quite easy ti achieve on this site. i'd urge everyone to look through the forums and find someone that they can offer support or advice to. it will hopefully make the recipient feel better and helping someone (even someone you don't know) can lift your spirit.
Great list Lindsay
This post has been edited by bluefinger: Jul 12 2008, 08:24 PM
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Nov 2 2008, 08:49 PM
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Newbie
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Joined: 21-August 04
From: Lukayshun
Member No.: 551
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Awesome stuff! I think I've gone after these goals at one time or another to try to alleviate some of my depression, but I've never seen them all nicely listed and briefly explained before ... it's so nice to have a little structure in what seems like such a chaotic time in my life, and to have all of these helpful hints available in one reference is really astounding ... this could be the stuff that guides me through a much less painful winter ... putting some positive spin on that, it could actually leave me feeling content and joyful. Good stuff!
Thanks for sharing it with us!
P.S. I printed it out! I never print anything out! :D
This post has been edited by Mirthless: Nov 2 2008, 08:50 PM
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Oct 12 2009, 02:33 AM
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Thanks Lindsay,
As soon as I read this, I went out with a bag and pulled out a whole heap of weeds, felt better until I saw how many there were!!!!!!!!
Well, It will give more more to do
Have a beautiful day
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Peace, Happiness & Serenity to you all
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Nov 3 2009, 11:59 PM
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I love 1-6 but 7 irks me a bit.
I spent years pretending to be happier than I am to keep up appearances. When days came by when I couldn't be happy bubbly me everyone would ask what's wrong and some people even said they missed happy me. Nothing makes you feel worse than to think that people prefer the fake you to the real you.
#6 is my favorite. I always feel better after making a stranger at the drive through smile or letting someone out in a difficult to cross intersection. The little things make more of an effect on my day than anything else.
Just my $0.02
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7 Ways To Make Yourself Happier In The Next Hour, You can make yourself happier — |
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Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group > DEPRESSION-ROAD TO RECOVERY > One Step At A Time
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especially number 2. I know when you feel depressed sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is to make the effort to meet a friend.
