Living Wise: Positive Health & Wellness

Written by Michael Corthell

One of the things standing between us and the life we want are the good healthy habits we want but don't have, and the bad unhealthy habits we have but don't want.

The best way to develop good habits is FIRST getting positive about life. All good things flow from positivity. Then we start by identifying the bad habits (sometimes they're hidden). Then overwhelm the bad ones with good ones!

''It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.''

—Benjamin Franklin

The following menu list is categorized to make it simple to read and easy to use. It is a MENU for you to pick and choose from. Just scan this list of good daily habits to find the routines that fit your life!

Remember that the hardest part of changing is the decision to change. Please note that we are not all the same, what works for one may not work for the other person.

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Good Habits: Health & Wellness

If you want to be HAPPY!

• Talk with a positive person.
• Write down three good things that happened to you each day.
• Laugh – even if you have to force it. The mere action of laughing releases endorphins.
• Get some sun (or a happy light, if it’s a gray day.)
• Move your body (walk, exercise) for 20 minutes or longer.
• Walk a dog or pet an animal.
• Ask for a hug from one person a day.
• Call an old friend or relative.
• Invest 30 minutes a day doing a hobby you enjoy and find relaxing.
• Buy something new (even something small, like a new type of coffee.)

On managing stress more effectively…

• Breathe deeply for at least two minutes. Focus on your breaths.
• Stretch different body parts for ten minutes.
• Listen to something calming and distracting (news, music) unrelated to whatever is stressing you out.
• Cuddle (with a lover, friend or even a pet – physical touch is comforting.)
• Detach from the source of stress (excuse yourself from a meeting, take a break from a project, remove yourself from an argument) for a five-minute break.
• Sniff lavender or geranium essential oil (both lower blood pressure.)
• Sit in the sun (outside) for five minutes.
• Paint a picture.
• Talk to a friend for ten minutes, even if just to hear about his or her life.
• Spend ten minutes grooming (nails, bath, hair.)
• Take a nap.
• Chew a piece of gum.

On being more confident…

• List three things you genuinely like about yourself. Read those three things out loud. Do this daily.
• Stand up straight. Let your hands hang naturally at your sides.
• Dress in clothes that flatter you.
• Outline your thoughts/words before you enter an intimidating situation. Being prepared will help you feel more confident. Bring cheat notes if acceptable.
• Refuse to fidget. Instead, go to a private place (car, restroom) where you can stretch and get out the jitters. Then focus on relaxing.
• Pay attention to the other person instead of your own insecurity.
• Repeat a mantra in your head.
• Take a small risk daily.  Find something that makes you a little nervous, like talking to strangers, and strive to do it one time every day to build your confidence.
• Ask for compliments from a trusted friend or relative.

On becoming more spiritually minded…

• Devote 15 minutes a day to reading a spiritual text (Bible, spiritual book, spiritual workbook.)
• Walk in the woods.
• Perform one thoughtful act of kindness for a stranger.
• Give up one physical pleasure or material possession.
• Join a group of like-minded individuals from whom you can learn and be inspired.
• Look up at the stars.
• Enjoy a sunset or sunrise.
• Write out how a person you encountered that day could enrich your life journey.

On becoming more mindful…

• Take up meditation. Start with 15 minutes a day. Find a quiet place, set a timer, close your eyes and focus on your breaths.
• Pay attention to the details of now. What color is that butterfly? How does that salad taste? How many shades of green can you see right now?
• Consciously let go of worry or regret. Tell yourself “Future Me will take care of that” or “The past is the past.”
• Focus acutely on an immediate sensation, like how great it feels to be tucked into your comfy bed, or how invigorating that brisk wind is.
• Invest emotionally in a current interaction. How does your friend feel about her problem? What emotions are you feeling right now? What can you do comfort/inspire/rejoice with the person you are with right now?

To be continued in Part II: Social Goals

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How to make healthy eating unbelievably easy | Luke Durward | TEDxYorkU

After breaking his leg, undergraduate student Luke Durward used his time to return home and mentor his little brother on healthy eating. While illustrating his brother's dramatic transformation, Durward shares the obvious secret that is repeatedly overlooked by unsuccessful dieters.