Lighten Up
For Your Health's Sake

It’s not easy to resist getting caught up in the fast pace of modern life and becoming tense and anxious. For many of us, “stressed out” becomes our normal way of being in the world. . . and we get there without even realizing how anxious we’ve become.

The paraphinalia of modern life include cell phones, TVs, computers, the internet, ipods, emails, all clamoring for our attention, The clock becomes our master. Even the shows and movies we watch for entertainment, the video games we play for amusement, and the news we read for information induce more anxiety and tension by their vivid depictions of conflict and violence.

We pay a penalty for all this excitement and tension. The unrelenting stimulation and chronic anxiety over-tax the adrenal glands and they can become exhausted. Adrenal exhaustion often leads to a cascade of health issues that can start with chronic fatigue and progress through systemic candida, multiple food allergies, and other precursors to more serious health conditions such as MS, cancer, diabetes, etc.

The solution? Lighten up, slow down and learn the art of de-stressing yourself in whatever situation you find yourself. No matter what your age, you can learn to nurture your own well-being and change your way of thinking about your health.

Recent research studies show that happier, relaxed people are healthier and live longer. Psychology researcher, Dr. Martin Seligman, studied a large group of people who tested as being “authentically happy.” In his breakthrough book, Authentic Happiness, Dr. Seligman lists the eight activities that these happy people share in common to sustain their happiness. Here is a summary of his recommendations for us all:

1) Count Your Blessings
An easy way to do that is to take the time daily to write a “Gratitude List” of at least three things that went well and why, ranging from the simple—the trees are in bloom—to the splendid—something wonderful has happened to someone you love. Psychologists have found that people who do this are measurably happier and less depressed three to six month later. You can keep it meaningful by adding new things each time.

2) Practice Kindness
Acts of kindness can be of two varieties, spontaneous and deliberate. Giving someone a hand with their groceries is an example of spontaneous kindness. Taking an elderly neighbor to church or to dinner is an example of deliberate kindness. Being kind to others triggers a cascade of positive effects—it provides a greater sense of connection with others, enables you to feel generous and thoughtful and often wins you smiles and reciprocated kindness—all elements of happiness.

3) Savor the Joys of Life
Recognize and attend to the transient pleasures of life, such as the exquisite taste of a fresh cherry, or the warmth of the sun on your face as you step outside. Treasure and honor these moments for they are cumulative in awakening joy within you.

Psychologists suggest taking “mental snapshots” of those moments to remind you when you’re tired or under stress.

4) Thank Someone Who has Helped
If there is someone towards whom you feel a debt of gratitude for steering you through one of life’s narrow passageways, express your appreciation and gratitude in detail and in person, if possible. An example could be to write a letter expressing your gratitude and appreciation and then visit that person and read the letter aloud to them. Psychologists have found that people who do this just once are measurably happier and less depressed for up to three months.

5) Forgive and Move On
Letting go of resentments by letting the other person know you’ve done so in person or by letter is the easiest way to relieve stress and move on to enjoyment of life. Ruminating about a perceived injustice and imagining some form of retribution simply perpetuates your suffering and does not lead to fulfillment.

6) Make Time for Friends and Family
The biggest factor in determining most people’s satisfaction with life seems to be strong personal relationships with friends and family. Talking, being with each other and doing things together are the activities that nurture relationships and nurture your capacity for enjoyment.

7) Honor Your Body
Exercising, stretching, bathing, grooming, getting enough sleep and eating right not only contribute to a long and healthful life, they also make it more satisfying and enjoyable.

8) Be Prepared to Cope with Stress and Unforeseen Hardships
Challenging moments and stressful times are inherent in living a full life. Having your own strategies for coping with them enables you to sail through those occasions with the confidence that you will endure. Such people display a high level of resilience; they’re able to rebound quickly from events that might seem overwhelming to others.

These tips will help you to lighten up and feel better
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