Come On, Get Happy!

Posted on May 3, 2011

SPICE: It’s springtime, Sugar baby! Do you want to be happy? Of course you do, who doesn’t? So let’s talk about ways to be happy. How many can we think of today?

Appreciate the small things. The yummy smell of your toast, the miracle of clean running water that pours into our homes at our whim, elevators (hello! I work on the 17^th floor and wear 5 inch heels, girl!)
Listen to Comedians. How great are they? They spend their time trying to think of ways to make us laugh. They’re modern day court jesters!
Look up at the stars. Seriously. When was the last time you got yourself away from city lights on a dark night and just looked up? It’s insanely gorgeous and makes you feel so small.
Chocolate. Eat some. No – don’t gorge on it. Just a little Hershey Kiss now and then. Besides releasing endorphins and stimulating serotonin production in your brain, chocolate releases phenylethylamine, the chemical that causes feelings of love.
Go camping. Fresh air is absolutely amazing. And sleeping in cool temperatures, on the ground, listening to crickets, smelling of a campfire – OMG that is so fantastic. Not to mention the joy of eating breakfast outside in the woods. I’m not joking here.
Numerous studies show that a healthy sexual intimacy with a caring partner can have tremendous physical and emotional benefits. So have amazing sex. Go all out. Candles, music, oils, lingerie. Or have a sweaty quickie. It’s all good.
Go for a brisk walk every day. With your circulation increasing, you’ll bring more blood flow to the brain, which in turn not only makes you more alert, but it elevates your mood. Fact.
Eat spinach. Remember Popeye? He knew a thing or two. Popeye’s favorite green is packed with folic acid, an important vitamin that boosts serotonin production. Serotonin = mood elevator.
Smile. It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. Plus, it’s contagious. So you smile, they smile at you, which then makes your happier.
Don’t take things personally. So often, anger and frustration directed at us is a result of someone else’s misplaced stress. Recognize that it’s not necessarily about you and you’ll remain calmer and happier.

Your turn!

SUGAR: Wow! You have ten great ways to be happy…not sure if I can match that but here goes…

Listen to children laugh at a playground. They are truly in the moment. Practice being in the moment.
Take in a shelter dog. They need a good home and who doesn’t need someone to go home to…that is someone who is beyond happy to see you each time you meet at the door!
Eat some chocolate, for all the reasons you listed.
Listen to music. It can soothe the soul.
Make someone else’s day. You will feel good. Promise.
Gratitude. Be grateful for what you do have, stop focusing on what you don’t have.
Exercise your mind, body & spirit every day.
Eat some chocolate. Again.
Let someone know how much you appreciate them. Both of you will be happy.
Take time to rest. Get in your 7-8 hours every night and whenever possible take a moment or two to just close your eyes and breathe.

SPICE: Those are awesome! I actually just experienced your #9 myself. Not only did I tell someone today how much I appreciate the things they do for me, but I also received an email from someone thanking me for something that they really appreciate. It was as nice to be the giver of a thank you as it was to be the receiver.

So now it’s everyone else’s turn. Don’t be shy. Tell us some additional ways to be happy! Come On, Get Happy! (the song. click it!)