What makes you smile? Laugh? Feel ectatic? For some, it’s looking up at the stars in the sky and admire its vast brilliance. For another, it’s dressing up in sparkle for a night at a jazz ensemble, a walk to the local coffee shop to try that new chai, or a movie night to a hilarious comedy. Or perhaps you find joy in making yourself a perfectly delicious meal to enjoy a cozy evening in your favorite loungewear.
Whatever it may be for you… when was the last time you did something that makes you feel happy?
If it’s been awhile, consider this: Happiness lowers stress levels, increases immune system function, and lowers your risk of disease. It also makes life easier and enjoyable.
The Magic Formula for Daily Pleasure
Doing one pleasurable thing per day (or more!) is the most powerful antidote for gray, boring, or stressful days. Try this:
Make an “I Love” list. List everything that you enjoy—nothing is too small or too large. If you enjoy it, get it on the list.
Take a look at how you spend your days. When could you fit in a little pleasure? Perhaps you could leave your office at lunch to walk to the park? Maybe you could play your favorite music or sing while doing the dishes? Book yourself a massage this weekend?
Sit for a moment and check in with yourself. Take a moment and ask yourself "what do I feel I could use more of right now? What would make me feel good, vibrant, energized, relaxed, happy? If nothing comes to mind, find an enjoyable idea from your "I Love" list.
Cultivate self affection daily. Purposefully pay attention to your needs. Practice compassion, kindness and love towards yourself each day and as much as you need.
While denying your needs creates more frustration, stress and imbalance in your body and mind, cultivating self-affection will increase your capacity to have greater health and feel inner joy.
To get you started down the road of pleasure, give this luscious recipe a try:
Mango Cream
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
1 mango, peeled and diced
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar (optional)
1 cup organic whipping cream or carton of soft tofu or large ripe banana
Process first 4 ingredients in a blender.
Blend for 1 minute, or until pureed.
Pour puree into a medium bowl.
Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. If using tofu or banana whirl in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
Fold whipped cream or tofu or banana into mango puree, using a knife to swirl in a marbled effect.
For a week, try to practice self-affection each day and notice the changes with your thoughts, emotions and feelings. See if you can notice yourself to feel more calm, balanced and happy.
Prioritizing your happiness is prioritizing your health!
GET YOURSELF HAPPIER, HEALTHIER & THRIVING!
Are you curious about how happy good health can make you feel? As a Health Coach I can help you make your own healthy changes. Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!
ABOUT ME
I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.
If you like this blog and want more simple lifestyle tips, let me know in the comments below, and share this blog to show your loved ones that you care about their health and happiness! To Your Health and Happiness! SALUD y ALEGRIA!
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