Day 6: Surround Yourself With Happy Things!

Another short and sweet adjustment you can make to your living space that will promote positivity and energy. Being surrounded by things that make you happy is going to, uh, make you happy :)


Cubicle = Misery
I used to work in an office where i sat at a cubicle. I know first hand that staring at gray walls all day is no help to being productive and energized at work. If you have the freedom to do so, re vamp that boring desk space with some things from home that make you happy. A couple ideas: Pictures of loved ones, quotes to keep you motivated, pictures of goals you are working towards to keep you motivated, and anything with color to keep your mood up.


Home Office - Needs Happy Boost
If you are a stay at home mom, or your office happens to be inside your home, keeping yourself surrounded with happy things will boost your energy levels and motivation as well. People think just because you don't have to sit at an office all day that you don't have the same dreary days as those of us who work in an office, um wrong. Actually, people who work in an office have it a bit better because they get to punch out at 5:00 and go home to their sanctuary. For those women who stay or work at home, they don't get to leave the office at 5 because the home IS their office. As a matter of fact, the home can sort of turn into a dungeon. This is why its important to designate one room as your "work" room. Keep this your office, and surround yourself with colorful, and happy things. Pinterest has so many amazing ideas for decorating and organizing home office spaces


Color Me Happy


Different colors are said to promote different feelings. Surrounding yourself with things of a certain color can have a great impact on your daily mood and energy levels.

Red: Energy
Orange: Creativity
Yellow: Joy, energy and sunshine
Green: Freshness, harmony and growth
Blue: Trusts, wisdom and confidence
Purple: Royalty and romance
White: Innocence and purity

It is a proven fact that certain colors can act as a sort of therapy when the blues (no pun intended) creep along.


Atmosphere has a direct impact on our moods and happiness levels, so surrounding yourself and decorating your daily environment with things that make you smile is going to boost your morale, productivity, and energy level.

Day 5: Look Out The Window!

Ill keep this post short and sweet, just a little tip to keep your happiness levels high. Take a look out the window!

When the world gets stressful, and your day is getting rough, take a nice long look out the window and take a mental break. Whether its nice or rainy outside, gazing out the window can be a sweet escape from the stressful day you are ahving. Studies show that employees that have a desk with a window are happier and more productive.

Next time you are having a blah day, take a five minute break and gaze out your window. Imagine you are outside, or laying in a park. Take a mental break, it works like a charm!

Day 4: Nap time Isn't Just For Kids!

Yes you read that right, Nap time is beneficial for kids as well as adults. Its just that for some reason, the older we get the less acceptable it is to tell your boss, "Sorry I cant finish this project until after i have had my nap". Crazy, right? Mexico is the country that gets it, sleeping helps employees to stay on the ball and get more accomplished. Heres some ways that fitting naps in can increase energy and reduce stress and depression.


Benefits Of Napping


It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of napping is the rest we all need so very badly. Fighting off fatigue that seems to strike us mid day is something a nap is sure to beat every time. There are also many other (maybe not as well known) benefits of napping as well.

Studies show that people who nap, are sharper, more energized, motivated and all around more efficient in every day life and the work place. Our bodies need rest to be able to work properly, and getting in time to rest our brains can do wonders in our lives.


Too Busy To Nap


So you work a 9-5 and don't have time to nap? There are many ways to reap the benefits of a power nap without actually taking one. Taking a few minutes out of the day to give your mind and body a break will reboot your energy levels, and boost brain power as well.

During your designated break or lunch time, take 10-15 minutes to do this simple excercise. Scoot forward in your chair so your bottom is at the edge. Place your arms out in front of your chest and rest them on the table. Arch your back so that your spine is being stretched and elevated. Breathe in and out in deep breaths, and relax your mind.

Studies show that the most beneficial exercise when it comes to promoting relaxation is when the spine is arched. All those Yoga poses you do? The reason most are so relaxing is because the spine is being stretched which releases all sorts of relaxing feelings, and is a great tool when it comes to de stressing.



Hard Time Sleeping? Meditation Is Right For You.


I know what your thinking, Meditation? I really don't feel like sitting cross legged in a room full of candles saying "OM". To that I say, neither do I nor would i ever be caught dead doing something like that. Meditation is so much more than the crap you see in movies, meditation is about quieting the mind of all thoughts, and focusing on the very present moment. Meditation can be done anywhere that is quiet, Hell, I used to meditate in my car during lunch break, and I always came back to work feeling great.


Meditation is easy, heres how to get started: 

• Find somewhere quiet
• Close your eyes
• Quiet your mind of ALL thoughts
• when you feel your mind starting to wander, focus on relaxing each part of your body. Start with your toes, end at your head.
• Focus solely on the present moment, not the past nor the future. "I am relaxing right now"
• If at home, light some aromatic candles to add extra relaxation

Do's & Dont's of Napping

• DONT sleep too long- 20-30 minutes of napping is all you need to refresh the body and mind, any longer and you can end up feeling groggy.
• DO turn off the lights, when lights are dimmed, the brain releases a sleep hormone called melatonin
• DO get as comfortable as possible...the more comfy you are, the more rested and re energized you will feel
• DONT nap too late in the day, it could affect your nighttime Z's.
• DO rest the mind if at all possible. For some people, napping just isn't an option. Try making some quiet time for giving your brain a break if a mid day snooze isn't for you.

Whether you nap or rest the mind, this time in your day can re boost energy, decrease depression, and increase productivity. Nap time isn't just for kids anymore, everyone can reap the benefits of a power nap. 

Give it a shot!

Sources

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38907276/ns/business-us_business/t/businesses-waking-benefits-napping/

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/napping

30 Ways In 30 Days: Be Happier & More Energized!

Hello everyone, and happy Thursday!

I decided that lately I need a pick me up, a boost in morale. This dreary winter weather is dragging me down leaving me with no energy or motivation, no good!

I have been looking online for different ways to relieve stress, be happier and have more energy in general. After all the great info I found, I decided to do a little mini series on different ways to reboot and energize just in time for spring!

So every day for 30 days, I will post a new trick to try to increase your happiness and decrease the stress :)

So come on everyone, lets get happy!