Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Take a Break: Create Happiness Triggers

Today’s post is all about creating a living space (this includes your home, office and even your car) where you are surrounding by things that automatically triggers feelings of contentment and well being. This can be as simple as making your bed so that each time you enter your bedroom it looks like a relaxing oasis. Nice sheets, special pillows and other bedroom accessories can add to this feeling.

Start by thinking about where you spend the most time. What do you have there to serve as triggers? If you spend a lot of time on the computer, what’s sitting next to your keyboard? Do you have a mouse pad that makes you smile? Do you register for e-mails for posts that will bring a lift to your day? If you spend a lot of time in an office, what do you look at most during the day? Is it a trigger to happy and positive feelings?

Memory/Positive Association
• Pictures of family, friends, wonderful vacations. You can create a “wall” of such photos, and/or scattering such pictures throughout the house. Frames can add a lot to these photographs so think about that the next time you are “frame” shopping.
• Items you associate with very positive events, such as: a painting you purchased on the best vacation ever; stones from your favorite beach
• Compile small mementos from a favorite place or experience and make an album. Keep it handy, such as on a night stand or coffee table
• Make the background on your phone and/or computer a picture of something or someone you love. Use a favorite song as a ring tone. 
• Bookmark favorite music for quick access.

Anticipation: These are items that you see that remind you of doing something that you find engaging and enjoy.
-       • Leave your guitar out of its case ready to play; sheet music on the piano
-       •  Creating a space so it’s easy to engage in activities that you enjoy such as a craft area; tool shop; music room; meditation space; prayer corner
-      •  If you like to cook, leave equipment, such as standing mixers, food processors etc. out on the counters.
• Use your refrigerator as an “anticipation reminder.” Post reviews of new restaurants that you’d like to try, along with invitations to upcoming events, recipes you want to try, and even pictures of friends and family you’d like to visit. 
    
Smells trigger feelings. It’s why women wear perfume and it’s why so many products come with scents. If this is something you enjoy, pick up some essential oils and use in your cleaning products. Candles are soothing and they can also burn with a lovely smell. Do some checking though to make sure that the candles are safe and use essential oils. Some waxes, such as bayberry, are naturally scented. If you associate a cologne with a wonderful period in your life, use it periodically.

Clothing: The “power suit” has basically become a cliché, however, the idea that clothes can make you feel a certain way is true. Pick out underwear, including socks that are comfortable and create instant happiness. Wear jewelry that you enjoy. I particularly like a pair of earrings that have a slight jingle to them when I turn my head. It’s my mindfulness reminder.


Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas. 


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