Choose Happiness For Better Health

What makes you smile? Laugh? Go giddy with glee? For some, it’s a walk barefoot through the grass. For another, it’s a spin on a roller coaster, a solo movie date, or a perfectly ripe strawberry. 

So… when was the last time you did something that makes you 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.

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 the office at lunch to walk in the park? Maybe you could play your favorite music while doing the dishes? Pick some daffodils and add them to a Mason jar in your kitchen?
  
  
• Repeat daily, or more often, as needed.
  
  

To get you started down the road of pleasure, take action this week by noticing and writing down a list of things that truly make you smile. Then be intentional about bringing joy, pleasure, happiness back into each day, beginning today! Happiness is essential for better health.



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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.