As much as I love other people’s blog posts on positivity I never really thought to write one of my own, until I watched a TED talk and started implementing some changes in our lives: If you haven’t seen it yet, Shawn Anchor’s talk on ‘The Happy Secret to Better Work’ is well worth watching!
Though I was already aware of most of the things that he discussed, I realised that we weren’t actively using any of his ideas on a daily basis, except for maybe daily exercise. Although we are happy and content with life, imagine how happy we could actually be if we set out with intentions to increase our happiness.
Daily gratitude practice:
The first, and easiest, thing that we have implemented is practicing gratitude on a regular basis. When we first get into bed at night we each come up with 3 things we are greatful for. I have been writing them down on a scrap piece of paper and putting them in a jar – after only a week it is starting to fill up – just looking at that jar reminds ourselves of how lucky we actually are.
Daily Meditation:
The next thing I am thinking of putting into practice is some daily meditation. At the moment our schedules are crazy busy, but all the more reason why we need some quiet in our days – all it means is 10 minutes less of facebook or playing online at some point during the day.
I often feel like I am constantly ‘connected’ whether in front of my laptop or on my phone, so it would be nice to have a segment of the day where I switch off, both to electronics and active thinking, giving my brain a chance to stop and just be.
Switch off the Negativity & Turn up the Positivity:
If you fill your mind with garbage and negativity, how can you expect to think positively?
For this reason, I rarely watch the news, never watch ‘current events’ shows or horror movies and have recently shifted from reading mostly fashion blogs to more and more health, positivity and inspirational blogs (as well as food blogs of course).
This shift has been a conscious decision to remove things that causes me frustration and focus on things that make me happy, filling my head with positivity from the outside in, as well as from the inside out. This has also extended to twitter and facebook, where I have resorted to unfollowing and hiding people who use social media purely as a place to vent or complain.
So on that note, here are some blogs that I am loving lately, all of which align with my positive vibes and have fabulous articles that have addressed happiness, positivity and gratitude:
In Spaces Between – Rach’s posts are always inspirational and I have never known someone to be so positive! Keep an eye out especially for her weekly ‘Making Me Happy‘ series, all about gratitude and appreciating what you have!
Dream Delight Inspire – Kimberly has recently published a fabulous post on Balance, which speaks right to me with our crazy uni schedule and non-stop social events.
Sweet Lime and Spiced Tea - These amazing girls are super positive and love to share the positive vibe around – make sure you check out their recent 30 day affirmation challenge.
Emily Levinson – sign up to her newsletter for positivity straight to your inbox!
Positively Present – the name really says it all, this fabulous blog is full of uplifting advice to help you live to your full potential!
Do you have any favourite blogs bursting with positivity and inspiration? I am always on the search for more so please do share!
What are your top tips for making your life as happy as it can possibly be?
Image by Fizzle Out
Proud of you!
Thank you so much gorgeous girl, I’m honoured to have a mention here! Love love LOVE your ‘jar o’ gratitude’ and I agree with switching off the news. Downer central (and I work in PR!) I get all the news I need (in a selective way) on Twitter. I don’t think any of us need to know how many people were bashed/ murdered etc the night before. Fab post! xx
Yes, I think it is good to be aware of current events but such fear and negativity is perpetuated by the media – I would prefer to spend my energy on consuming and processing positive things, which is why blogs are SO amazing! I especially love your blogs to bookmark as they always link to more positive and super inspiring blogs, it amazes me how many amazing people there are out there creating content!
Dr fizzle u have done it again u put a smile on my face just reading ur blog
and my jar is ready to go thank you xxxxxxxx
That is so funny, I watched that very video a couple of days ago – isn’t it great? Ever since, I’ve been doing the things he suggested – the journalling, random acts of kindness, exercises etc and great things have been happening. It’s all about shifting our perception isn’t it? Lovely post hun! x
Oh yes I forgot about the random acts of kindness!! I really need to watch it again obviously!
Definitely agree with the perception shift, so often you see people who can’t find happiness despite having awesome lives… it’s all about finding the good parts of each and every experience, and I am enjoying learning more about it
Thanks for including me on such a great list! <3
I love all of your ideas/practices that you've pulled out. Deep breathing and meditation are fantastic ways to slow down and shut of your mind.
Have you heard of a book called Savor? It's all about mindfulness, particularly as it relates to food. Might be a fun crossover of loving food and living in the (positive) present.
xo
No worries! I always enjoy the positive newsletters that land in my inbox! Yes I am definitely going to work on the deep breathing and meditation, as I only do it occasionally at the moment in a yoga class but never on my own! No I have never read that book but thanks for the recommendation, sounds like it is right up my alley
Also, there is a great resource for guided meditations (free on iTunes) called Meditation Oasis. LOVE the podcasts. Great to get you started on the journey.