Take a Bliss Break!

A key to success that is often overlooked is the art of feeling good. In these trying times, it's easy to let circumstances get you down, whether you are directly affected by the current economic cycle or simply spending too much time watching or reading all the bad news. While it's certainly important to be aware of what's happening in the world and to make any necessary adjustments, it's equally important to remember that you are in charge of your information intake, and your attitude. You can limit your exposure to reports of gloom and doom. And rather than succumbing to fear, regret, or anger, you can instead focus on the blessings in your life and the things that make you happy.

How important is it to choose happiness? Research has shown that happy people are more efficient, productive, and confident, and are more likely to set goals and achieve them, no matter what challenges they may be facing. When you feel good, your energy is vibrating at a higher frequency, making you naturally more healthy and attractive. You are more aware, can think more clearly, and can more easily recognize and respond to opportunities. So, if you thought that success buys happiness, think again. Contrary to what most people believe, happiness leads to greater success, not the other way around. n
When conditions are less than ideal, how do you stay happy? A wellness program called The Solution Method, by Laurel Mellin, M.D., suggests that participants accumulate 100 “joy points” every day. The more joy you allow yourself to feel daily, the more likely you are to have positive emotions and the happier you become. And medical science has shown again and again that happy people are also healthier. They are more optimistic, energetic, and have stronger immune systems. In fact, a recent study by Dr. Dean Ornish, reported in the British medical journal, The Lancet, showed that healthy emotions can even turn off genes that are precursors to disease. n
So, in order to fulfill your daily joy quota, try taking regular “bliss breaks.” You can create a “to do” list of things that make you feel good (avoiding those that are immoral, illegal, or fattening), and then commit to doing as many of them as possible each day. And if you need some ideas for your “bliss break” list, consider these everyday actions that are happy-making: n
Look at something you find beautiful.
Smell the flowers.
Stroke the cat.
Romp with the dog.
Spend time in nature.
Listen to your favorite music.
Sing or hum.
Read or watch something uplifting.
Take a walk.
Dance.
Hug someone.
Hug your self.
Laugh out loud.
Do your favorite exercise routine.
Take a fragrant bath.
Create something.
Chat with a friend.
Play a game.
Count your blessings.
Meditate. n
No matter what is happening around you, you can always stop and do, see, feel, hear, or smell something that brings you the feeling of bliss, even if only for a moment. Those moments add up, and the more “bliss breaks” you take each day, the happier and healthier you’ll be. And when you’re happy, you become a more powerful success magnet and can more easily attract all of your soul's desires.