Bad Habits
LETTING GO OF BAD HABITS
shouldn’t only happen on New Year’s Eve.
Here are some bad habits you should consider letting go any time of the year. These come from psychiatrist Dr. Marcia Sirota:
First: Avoidance. Dr. Sirota says it’s normal to want to put off dealing with things that are difficult or uncomfortable, but the longer you avoid problems, the more likely they’ll fester and get worse. So, whether it’s a problem with your health, finances, or relationship, resolve to confront it now and nip it in the bud!
Second: Comparing yourself with others. Our expert says that at some point you have to accept that there will always be people who have more than you, and others who have less. So instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, try recognizing that true happiness comes from being the best version of YOU. Another tip is: Stop complaining. Dr. Sirota says all that does is remind you of your problems, and reinforces a sense of helplessness. Instead of spending another day complaining, take action to resolve the things that bug you.
Third: Gossip. Dr. Sirota describes gossip as “hurtful” and “a colossal waste of time.” She says instead of sitting around talking about everyone else, do something that makes you look productive. For example: Talk to people about your interesting ideas, take up a creative new hobby, or focus on getting healthy.
BOOST YOUR HAPPINESS
I’ve got a few tricks to help you out. For decades, scientists believed that every person was stuck with a basic “set point” of happiness. Big, life-altering events, like marriage, divorce, or getting a new job affected you for a while, but eventually you returned to your previous set point of happiness. However, according to 225 studies reviewed by psychologists at the University of California, our happiness level can be changed. By changing the way we live, react to situations, and even what we eat, we can increase our happiness.
creating your own
happiness:
Eat walnuts and wild salmon - Both are packed with Omega-3 fats, which make people less prone to depression. A study at the University of Pittsburgh found that people who got the most Omega-3s scored 55% higher on happiness tests than those with lower levels.
Clear away the clutter- Dr. Elaine Aron is the author of The Highly Sensitive Person. She says that disorganized heaps of paper on your desk or kitchen counter are reminders of things you aren’t getting done, which can make you anxious, and feel like a failure. For a quick happiness boost, straighten up your desk, or the areas of your house where you spend the most time. Remember, even the illusion of order is enough to ease the mind. If you don’t have time to organize things, simply put papers, books, and receipts in neat piles or baskets.
Think fast - According to Princeton University psychologists, quick thinking releases feel-good brain chemicals. When someone drives you crazy, take 30 seconds to list all the ways they’ve been helpful in the past. Or quickly think of a list of anything, like your favorite movies.
Chop veggies! - That’s health expert Dr. Andrew Weil’s favorite way to unwind and de-stress, and he’s on to something. The repetitive nature of chopping can calm anxiety within 15 minutes. If you don’t want a knife involved, sweeping, ironing, and knitting all have the same repetitive, calming effect.