According Yaro Starak’s Blog Profits Blueprint, “How-to” articles are key to good blogging. So as I was lying in bed thinking about what kind of how-to I could share with you, I decided to choose a topic on which I am an expert. How to Live a Happy Life. I consider myself an expert on this topic, as I am one very happy chick! I smile so much that people who don’t know me well think I’m on something! You would not believe how often I am asked how I can possibly be this happy. At this point in my life, at the ripe old age of 40, being happy just seems to come naturally, but it wasn’t always like that. I learned through trial and much error how to live a happy life, and I would love to share some of my favorite methods with you in the hopes that you will join me in the smile revolution 
Get a Hobby
One of the greatest surprises in my life was scrapbooking. I had no idea that taking up this hobby would enrich my life to such an awesome extent. I have found a creative side to myself that I didn’t know existed, outside of the written and spoken word. I never thought of myself as an artist before, but when I sat down and started cutting, gluing and decorating my scrapbook pages, I unleashed something that had been dormant since childhood. Even though I do quite a bit of my scrapbooking on my computer for convenience, I still look forward to getting out my glue and scissors and creating art featuring my family and friends. So my first reason for advising you to get a hobby is to awaken your own sleeping creative giant. It will make you feel like a kid again, and stimulate parts of your brain that will make you feel lighter and happier. Just don’t eat the paste 
If your chosen hobby has a social aspect to it the way sports and scrapbooking do, this is another great way to build up the happiness bank. I have found that the sense of community found through sharing our hobbies with others, who are similarly inclined, enriches us differently that just hanging out with friends or family. I get a surge of energy when I scrap with others, and I know my husband much prefers target shooting when he is with others at his club. The chance to share your passion, and get new ideas from each other creates an energy that is stronger and more positive than the sum of its parts. After a few hours with others who enjoy your hobby, you will leave feeling refreshed and inspired, and that feeling will stay with you long after you have moved on to other tasks.
Do Nothing
Yes, you read that right. Carve out some time each week to do nothing. Put aside all the shoulds in your life and just do nothing. Sit down, relax and vegetate. My mom can tell you that I mastered the art of doing nothing in my teenage years, LOL. I don’t even want you to meditate while you do nothing. That’s too much pressure. Just sit down or lie down and do nothing, just be careful not to fall asleep. Don’t fret about what you are thinking or not thinking, or about what you are missing or delaying. For God’s sake do not turn on the TV or radio! Just hang out and relax with yourself. When was the last time you actually did nothing? Do you even remember?
Let me tell you folks, nothing can really turn into something. It can become a moment of inspiration or a moment of closeness to the divine or it can just be nothing. Whatever happens, you will walk away refreshed and recharged thanks to the peace derived from not pressuring yourself. You may not be aware of how much you pressure yourself daily to do things, go places and be a certain way. When you let go and just coast for a bit, you will feel the weight of the world lift off of your shoulders and the smiles will come more easily and will be more genuine.
Do Something – Physical
You knew it was coming. Maybe you were hoping it wasn’t. Well here it is, the advice that you have heard over and over and over. Exercise. Move your body. I don’t care what form of movement you choose. You can dance, walk, skip, roll, shake or stretch or strippercize. Just make sure you move your body to exertion every single day. The days that I do not move my body it is much harder to be positive and upbeat, whereas, on days that I have broken a good sweat, I find I am more balanced and better able to roll with the punches. It would be preferable to do this movement in the morning, because it is a great way to start your day. You will clear away the fog left over from sleeping and you set a positive tone to your day. A great side benefit is that you will burn calories more efficiently throughout your day, and who doesn’t want a little help in that area!
Another reason to start your day with a sweat is that exercise is something that you do for yourself. By starting your day affirming your commitment to yourself and your mental and physical health you are giving yourself a big warm fuzzy right from the start. Giving yourself love and attention is a surefire way to build a happy life!
Finally, I’m sure you’ve read numerous times about all of the great brain chemicals released when you exercise, so I won’t bore you with the details here. My best advice about exercise is to do something that you like. Don’t force yourself into the latest exercise craze unless you really enjoy it. If you dread kickboxing, then don’t do it. Find something else you like to do that works up a sweat. Exercise should be fun and life affirming, not a form of punishment. Sometimes I just crank up some Barry White and strut my stuff around my living room like it was Studio 54! I’m sure I look totally ridiculous and for me, that is the best part!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
“I can’t get enough uh yo’ love, baybee.”
That’s Barry White, isn’t it?
I do a bit more of the nothing than the something, but after gaining ten pounds this summer, it’s packed lunches (have to pack Cameron’s anyway) and walks after lunch for me!
Yes, Bu. That is indeed Mr. Barry White!!!!
People who take the time to do nothing have made some of the most awesome contributions to society. You can’t create if you have not taken the time to dream and think. It works.