Starting now let us all make an effort to collectively become truly independent of the GOP BS surrounding the US and the world.
Democratic societies' Independence Day celebrations go back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from Parades and parties to fireworks,
We know it’s normal for moods to fluctuate, but there are ways to increase our overall positive energy. As much as we can be resistant to routine, starting our day with walking can improve our lives. A short walk can change moods, get rid of anxiety, and is good from an exercise perspective.
There’s practically an overload of doctors and psychologists presenting reasons why walking is so powerful. But here’s an interesting one that you may not have heard of. It’s related to eye movements.
Human beings are designed to be outside, and it’s only in recent history that many of us find ourselves indoors, especially during inclement weather. So, it is no surprise then, that spending time in nature makes us feel good.
Forest Bathing or “Shinrin-yoku”, was coined by the Japanese and has since been tested by researchers. One of the interesting things to emerge from the research is that you don’t need an excessive amount of greenery to improve your happiness. Two hours per week is more than enough. If you really can’t get outdoors for that long, virtual reality has the answer.
Scientists have tested this too and found that people can experience huge benefits from time in virtual nature.
Want yet another reason to go on that walk? Sun/Vitamin D exposure!
Being deficient in vitamin D is not much fun, as people who suffer from the aptly named SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) will know.
Maybe you’re thinking, it’s a sunny day, can’t I just sit by the window? The answer is no way, Jose.
Why? Studies have shown that the amount of sunlight that comes in, even from rooms with big windows, is a tiny fraction of what you get from going outside.
You can even test this yourself by downloading a light meter app on your phone and checking the difference in lumens inside and outside. The results will shock you, as they did me!
For those of you living in colder, cloudier climates in the northern hemispheres, there may not be enough sun to give you Vitamin D, so you can consult your doctor to see if Vitamin D supplements are OK
If you’re like me, there are times when you’d rather just stay inside than stick to a commitment, such as going for a walk, meeting a friend, or doing a group activity.
However, the trick is to remind yourself why you wanted to do this in the first place. You had a good reason, right?
Push yourself when you can and you will experience the endorphin buzz of doing something that you don’t want to do. You also invite new experiences and chances into your life that would not have happened if you simply succumb to staying indoors.
Another benefit of meeting with friends or joining a class is that you can deepen your bonds with people and make new friends.
Even if you are an introvert, humans are social creatures who rely on others to stay well and happy. This is proven by research from scientists, who have studied the effects of love and friendship on well-being and health.
In a busy life, it can be tempting to put these connections to one side, but we will benefit in so many ways if we make time for socializing.
When we face tough times your friends will (hopefully!) be there, and we can do the same in return.
Having friends gives us opportunities to help others and make our world a better place. And the same goes for random people we haven’t even met.
Another benefit of meeting with friends or joining a class is that we can deepen our bonds with people and make new friends.
Humans are social creatures who rely on others to stay well and happy. This is proven by research from scientists, who have studied the effects of love and friendship on well-being and health.
In a busy life, it can be tempting to put these connections to one side, but we will benefit in so many ways if we make time for socializing.
As great as it feels to receive these acts, it also feels amazing to do them for others. This is especially meaningful when you know that a small act can change someone else’s whole day.
Once again neuroscience proves the benefits of compassion as special areas of the brain light up when we experience it. The study also shows that compassion can be trained, so if we start doing something for someone regularly, we can strengthen this happiness-increasing habit.
Here are some examples of kind things you can do for people:
- Assisting someone with a baby
- Helping someone crossing the road
- Smiling at a stranger
- Leaving surprise notes of encouragement in random places
- Sending a heartfelt thank-you note
- Surprising someone with a meaningful compliment
If you’ve looked into well-being before, we’ve probably seen this suggestion. Gratitude, like compassion, is something that can be developed and brings great happiness.
Embracing gratitude is like adding a sprinkle of happiness to our daily life. It’s like finding little pockets of joy and appreciating them with a big smile!
When we consciously acknowledge and enjoy the good things that surround us, big or small, we shift our focus from what’s lacking to what’s present.
Each day, take a moment to reflect and list at least three things you are grateful for. It could be the comfort of your bed, a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, or even a personal accomplishment.
The key is to dig deep and find different things each day, allowing you to truly recognize the abundance in your life. The following is a video clip I am sending to all the children out there on the information superhighway.