10 Ways to be Happier

I hope your first week of 2014 has been fantastic. Mine has been great due to my new thought process of consciously focusing on being happier.  Reaching Felicity is a lot easier if you are happy. Yes, happiness is perceived differently by all people, but I believe these 10 suggestions will put everyone well on their way to destination: Felicity

1.  THINK POSITIVE -Thinking positive will change your whole outlook on life. Always remember, if you believe it, you will achieve it! If you need some motivation on staying positive, please join the Positive Vibes Book Club, HERE. 
2.  Exercise regularly-  Exercising is a stress reliever, it releases endorphins which are proven to make you feel happier, and look better. Studies also show that people who exercise live longer, which gives you more time to reach felicity :-) 
3. Eat fruits and vegetables every day- Its recommended that you eat some with every meal, but for most people this is not really ideal. Try to eat at least 1 serving of each a day. These two power foods help prevent all sorts of diseases and also, help you feel and look better.
4. Stop Comparing Your Self to Others- No one else can do a better job of being you, than you. A great way to stop this detrimental thought process is to compare yourself, to the past you. We have all grown to be better people over time, in more ways than one. So the only comparisons that should be made are within your own self. What have you accomplished this year, compared to last? A big factor in causing some comparisons is social media. Of course it looks like some people are living fabulous lives, but they only  show the good, not the bad and the ugly.  Continue to become a better person, but do not compare yourself to others. Always remember if they can do it, so can you!
5.  Keep Good Company- There is nothing worse than a party pooper, Debbie-Downer, or a Negative Nancy. Surround yourself with people who radiate more positive vibes than negative. Even if you find yourself to be a Pissy-Patty, make it a point to hang out with those people that "always seem so happy."
6.  Leave Work, at Work - Even for people who adore their job, work can still be stressful. Me personally, I love what I do, I just dislike "working." But, I make sure to always leave the emotions of work at work. I don't check my email, or replay situations from my day over in my head. When I walk out of the door, work has ended and my mind is cleared of anything having to do with it.
7. Stop Over-Indulging- Too much of anything, can turn into a bad thing. There is a saying which I constantly argue with myself about in my head; "A girl can never have too many shoes, (clothes, handbags, accessories etc.)" While in the perfect world this is possibly true, in the real world there is a limit. I believe there are only 2 things one can truly never have too much of - love and faith.
8. Do more good deeds- One rotten apple can definitely spoil the bunch, but you will never hear a story of the good apples making other apples bad! (lol was that a good example?) But you feel me right? Being an avid social media peruser, I see tons of stories all day about the bad things going on in the world, and it makes me so sad. But any act of  generosity, courage, or compassion makes me so happy and sometimes even causes tears of joy. It definitely inspires me to want to do the same. Be the example for others and go out and share good deeds.
9. Stop Selling Yourself Short- In all aspects of life, we limit ourselves. Whether it be in relationships, capabilities, or giving yourself credit. If you feel you deserve better in a relationship, YOU DO. If you tell yourself there is no way you can finish a project in a specific time period, YOU CAN'T, but if you tell yourself you can, YOU WILL. Never say you're incapable of doing something because you will believe that. Celebrate your accomplishments. You have been working hard, and saving money, and see a pair of shoes you want- BUY THEM (as long as you aren't spending your last.)The greatest disservice we do to ourselves is failing to appreciate what we offer the world, to appreciate the gifts and talents we are each blessed with, the influences we make in people lives, and all the good things we deserve. Always reward yourself. Never settle, and always go for the gusto.
10.  Get a Good Night's Sleep- A good night's sleep to me is at least 8 hours. I wake up refreshed and ready to conquer almost anything. A good nights sleep is proven to help you learn more effectively, manage stress better, and just been in an all around better mood. I know when I go to sleep late, I always wake up grumpy. Make an effort to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Make it a point to adopt these new ways to be happier, and I promise you will see a change.