I stumbled across this article that I found to be quite interesting and very relevant to myself, and I’m sure many others: http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s791226.htm

In a nutshell, psychological researchers have been studying the effects of extroversion on happiness and have found that folks who go out of their way to participate in extroverted behavior tend to be much happier on the whole. I thought this was very cool, because it’s always seemed to me that behavior is very much a product of our external stimuli. So if we intentionally change our surroundings to something exciting and challenging, it can completely change how we perceieve the world around us. In fact, the more *brave* and *bold* our activities are, the more enlightened and pleased we’ll start feeling on the inside - which then makes us shine on the outside. And hey - with all these great activities going on, we just might burn off a dimple or two. What a great loop

This idea even extends simply to body language. If you’re slumping over, how do you feel? But if you sit up straight (engaging those lovely abs) and slap a smile on your face, somehow your brain figures out that it’s about time to start pumping over some endorphins to maintain that beautiful smile.

I know I can relate to this article, because so many times I might be feeling just a taaad less than joyful.. and I’ll force myself to get up off the couch and do something fun or unexpected. Before I know it I’m actually laughing and having fun - and feeling MUCH more confident than before - and I’ve completely left my sour mood behind.

I was just wondering - what kinds of things do you all do to get your veins pumping with happiness again? Do you go hiking? Go for a pleasant bike ride? Or even just go try on an absurd outfit at the store to get a good laugh at yourself? (hey… don’t make fun… it actually works!)

Share your happiness secrets - I just might need to steal them

I can get myself feeling good in a bunch of different ways, fortunately. Sometimes it is as simple as taking a walk in the sunshine. If I need an extra boost, then I will go to the gym in the evenings just after the crowd has dissipated and feed off the energy left there to get in an awesome workout. Sometimes I will go for a drive or take a weekend trip to the national parks in southern UT or AZ and do some hiking to reconnect my soul with nature. Along that line, sometimes my boyfriend and I will drive down to San Diego and watch the sea lions or hang out on the beach for a recharge. Listening to music that makes me feel happy can get me feeling good, too, or reading/listening/watching something that I connect with. Also, meditation gets me vibrating at a higher frequency and I do that just about everyday.

I think those are the major ways I get myself feeling uplifted. 

Blowing Bubbles.  It just grounds me.

You take long deep breaths and breath out slowly to create the most bubbles.

They are beautiful in the sunlight or the moonlight. And inside the house, it makes me smile when the cats start going after them.

MB

Believe it or not, reading a good sci-fi type “end-of-the-world” book or watching a disaster movie usually cheers me right up! You know, the ones where regular people face horrific events and come out on top. Smaltzy, but entertaining. Of course, I usually collect a cat or two (sometimes three) on the lap while I’m doing it, so that helps…

It’s such a guilt pleasure, when I finish I read “War and Peace’ or watch a Jane Austin story to get some culture back in my brain!

I listen to Scott! MTM is so positive and uplifting. If I’m really down, I listen to him talking to me; that always helps me get out of my funk.

One silly way I have when I’m spinning out of control. I slap the heel of my hand against my forehead (hard enough to jar me out of my current state) and say (in my best Cher impression from Moonstruck), “Snap Out of It!” And it always makes me laugh.

Deb, I can see you doing that.  It’s hilarious.

Thanks, everyone, for your great ideas.  I’m loving this thread.

Cheers,
Julie

mb94558 - 16 February 2007 03:07 PM

Blowing Bubbles.

Yep. Me too. Have you ever seen a bubble that wasn’t happy???? Bubbles are happy! LOL!

I also put some good music on, or watch some of my classic cartoon collection (look on iTunes for Refrederator—classic cartoons for FREE!). Or—I just go & get a hug & cuddle from my hubby. 

Coloring. You can’t be sad and color. It kept me sane through months of bedrest.

Bree

Music, taking care of my plants, petting my cat, walking outside, the ocean, MTM.  Any of these, and even thinking of any of these will instantly pick up my mood.

Hey, I love to color too- I usually go watch a home video, look at family pictures, call one of my grandchildren or just walk .

Wonderful post !

Besides what most members already mentioned (not the scary movies, though ) i remind myself of being grateful. There are so many things one can be grateful for.

Once i heard someone say (talking about someone else, she really couldnt stand): i´m grateful for the wonderful job he does of breathing.
I thought if you really cant find anything, be thankful for small things, like breathing, the heart beating, blood pressure (probably in this moment too high, haha)

I try to be grateful for everything i learn each day, the challenges and the things that are hard for me, because those make me grow fastest.

Big hug
Lara

I love to make up silly songs and sing them

Karyn.....let’s hear one of your silly songs?

Yes, i also liked that one !

What a funny idea !

Ok, let´s hear it !

I like to jam out to some good music singing & dancing along. That really cheers me up

I like to hug my cat really close and listen to her purr for a few minutes. That really makes me feel better and I think she likes the extra attention too.