Almost daily diary!

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

If you're having a hard time.........

There have been a few sad and poignant blog posts around lately, despite the time of year and the beautiful weather. So when I was riffling through a drawer yesterday, and found the following cutting, I thought maybe I should post it! It is my mental checklist, and has been for sometime, though I can't say I do very well with it but at least I try! It's not always easy to be positive in the face of adversity but this might help a little if you're having a hard time......

Happiness Tools

Try these regularly for two months:
1. Take half an hour of exercise three times a week (Not sure I ever manage this one!)
2.Count your blessings, at the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you are grateful for.
3.Have an hour-long, uninterrupted, conversation with your partner or closest friends each week. (Nothing like cake and a good chat!)
4.Plant something: even if it's in a window box or pot. Keep it alive!(Hmmmm..)
5.Cut your TV viewing by half (It didn't mention blogging!)
6.Smile at and say hello to a stranger at least once a day (I like this one)
7.Make contact with at least one friend or relation you have not been in contact with for a while and arrange to meet.
8.Have a good laugh at least once a day (If all else fails you could try tickling yourself, though really in all honesty, it doesn't work well!)
9.Give yourself a treat every day. Take time to really enjoy this (Chocolate!)
10.Do an extra good turn for someone each day.

Do you have anything to add?

15 comments:

Steve said...

Lists like these are brilliant for keeping you bouyant when life is dragging you down... just got to keep them in your mind enough for them to be effective.

Jennysmith said...

I don't really, sweetie, I'm just gonna make sure I stick to most of it. Hope you do too xxxx

Working Mum said...

I've definitely failed on number 4; all my tomato plants that I'd lovingly raised from seed shrivelled up and died while I was in London. Guess I'll just have to eat more chocolate to make up for it!

nick said...

I'd add: remember that nothing is perfect and appreciate the many charms of imperfection.

Counting your blessings is very important. So many people only see the negatives in their life and hardly notice the wonders and delights all round them.

Maggie May said...

That's very good advice. I think that a brisk walk is always good for the soul.
Curling up with a good book.
I like the smiling at a stranger. It really works .And there's nothing so healing as a good laugh!

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna give it a whirl!

GG

MissKris said...

I've been spending the past couple of months slowly reprioritizing my life. One thing I'd let slip for lack of time was reading my Bible every day. Now I MAKE time, getting up an hour earlier every morning at 3:15 so I have at least half an hour to devote to it. I can't tell you how much more centered I feel. I have a little saying up on my wall: "A day hemmed in by prayer rarely comes unravelled". I find that so, so true.

Renaissance said...

Great advice!

Furtheron said...

My new grass is very green - I've amazed myself with that one, I've watered it everyday for nearly 3 weeks now.

AA has the Just For Today card with some great tips on it you can see it here http://ukjohnd.com/aa-words-of-wisdom/just-for-today/

I should refer to this more regularly...

Rose said...

Great suggestions, Suburbia! I AM planting something each day:) And I can attest to the fact that smiling at or even talking to a stranger can really brighten your day. I used to keep a journal and would write one positive thing that happened each day. Now as for the exercise...I wonder if chasing the dog around counts?:)

Letty - A Little Girl With A Curl said...

Hello Suburbia, sorry I have been absent for ages it seems, I have not given up on my blogging, just there has not been any time just lately! Perhaps running two blogs was rather ambitious!! :)D

I will update mine soon, but the weather has been far too nice to be on the computer as well.

I do my best thinking on the dog walk. I love this post, they are all good suggestions too.

Hope all is well,
Missing Letty ;0D

Owen said...

Hi, found you via GG Not Waving, hope you don't mind strangers dropping in... I think laughing is the most important of all... for some reason have been laughing alot more than usual as a direct result of blogging. I wonder if anyone has ever studied the correlation between blogging and bouts of laughter ?

Liz Hinds said...

Definitely laugh.

And buy an orgasmatron.

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

Yes, ma'am.

A long hot candle lit bubble bath, with rose petals floating in the water and a bottle of good wine by the tub to refill the best wine glass in the house, that is resting in your hand.

Keep slices of chocolate & fruit or cheese nearby to enjoy at leisure.

Add your favorite CD or music to the background and let the world go away for and hour or two...

THAT is one of my favorites. Works absolute miracles.


Scarlett & Viaggiatore

DD's Diary said...

That's a good one, S, I'm going to give it a go - thanks!