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Happiness Tip 22 – Care for Others

A great happiness tip that I uncovered today makes perfect sense. In order to remain happy, it is better to care for others and help friends and family with their affairs instead of worrying about their own problems. By focusing on others, it is easier to put things into perspective and realize that any minor issues we are dealing with may not be so bad.

Along with merely caring for others, it is helpful to volunteer. There are plenty of medical facilities and soup kitchens that could use an additional volunteer to help out. Also, helping out mothers, fathers, grandparents or siblings could be beneficial, as family members who are satisfied from additional help will be happier. And, as we know from a previous blog post, surrounding yourself by happy family and friends will lead you to become happier. So please remember – you will gain greater happiness if you care for others.

Happiness Tip 21 – Surround Yourself with Happy People

Another great tip for those recovering from breast cancer or just looking to maintain happiness is to be around other happy, outgoing individuals. Making sure your friends and family members are content is important.

Let the people in your life know that you need positivity around when recovering from cancer. When someone is always surrounded by depressed people, they will wallow and ruminate in their sadness. So remember – remain positive and make sure the people in your life do too!

For more happiness tips, take a look at this website!

And for a little more happiness, take a listen to the song below!

Happiness Tip 20 – Pretend You’re Somewhere Else

I’ve been wondering about some of the basic stressors in life. These may include difficult customers, clients or even coworkers. Sometimes another driver on the road or a complex highway system can bring us stress and worry. Spending hours on the phone before a representative of the service we need goes on the line is also frustrating. Some people may get annoyed with friends or family, as parents may be lecturing more than necessary or overly protective. It boils down to this — many things can stress us out.

Tonight’s tip is to let these things go and think about something else. Sometimes pretending you’re on a tropical island or at your favorite destination can help. You might also think about being with someone you love (instead of in a situation of an angry customer or any similar occurrence). Pretending you’re away from the stressor can go a long way to increasing your happiness.

Happiness Tip 18 – Read a Good Book

One truly enjoyable part of life is reading books by your favorite authors. Spending half an hour a day reading your favorite book is sure to bring you happiness. It will relieve stress and keep your serotonin levels high. I am very thankful for the existence of my favorite authors, particularly the departed Douglass Adams. This Thanksgiving Thursday, give thanks for all your favorite books and excellent authors. Take some time to read tonight. Below are some great quotes from Douglas Adams.

 

“In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.”
Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
“For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much—the wheel, New York, wars and so on—whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man—for precisely the same reasons.”
Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
I have another song for my readers today! I hope you enjoy it!

Happiness Tip 17 – Find Solutions to Problems

Most of the time, when people are unhappy for a particular reason, they focus on the problem in front of them and obsess over their difficulties. However, what one should do instead is focus on a solution-oriented approach.

By finding a solution to a problem, one can start fixing any issues bothering him or her. This would keep you busy and focused on getting to a happier place. While only worrying about a problem only brings fear and depression, focusing on solutions can enable people to gain greater happiness.

And in the spirit of Magic Monday, I have included another song below devoted to Magic.

 

What Makes Me Happy? The Supreme Court’s Healthcare Ruling

The much anticipated decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was announced today. Tens of thousands of Americans were glued to their television, live reports, news articles, blogs and the twitter accounts of political figures, awaiting the final healthcare ruling. For instance, the social media site twitter was buzzing with information on the healthcare reform law.

The decision announced by Supreme Court justices supports the majority of the provisions under the Affordable Care Act. The only measure that was struck down dealt with penalties for state Medicaid expansion.

In a 5-4 vote, the justices approved of the individual insurance mandate. This means that all Americans will have to purchase health insurance by 2014 and states need to implement insurance exchanges.

The justices supported the individual mandate on condition that the penalty is considered a tax. This absolves Congress from the Commerce Clause in the Constitution.

Why does the Supreme Court’s ruling on the healthcare reform law make me happy? There are several reasons. For women in their 40’s and up, getting an annual mammogram is recommended. With the PPACA, these women will no longer have to provide co-pays and their insurance companies will handle all costs of preventive services.

On top of this good news, the former pre-existing conditions clause with many health insurers is not allowed under the PPACA. Another wonderful benefit of this law is that many elderly citizens are saving money on prescription drug coverage because the lifetime limits on their prescription medication coverage have been lifted. As for young U.S. citizens that don’t have the opportunity to purchase health insurance, all those under 26 years of age are qualified to stay under their parent’s coverage.

Clearly there are many positives of the PPACA and the Supreme Court likely made the right decision. Today’s Thanksgiving Thursday is devoted to the Supreme Court, which I thank for supporting the healthcare reform law. As for the future of PPACA, only time will tell where the healthcare sector will go next.

Happiness Tip 16 – Reduce Stress

Today’s happiness tip is nice and practical. A great way to become happy is to get rid of the opposite of happiness. Sadness, however, is made up of a number of things such as depression, anger and stress. Some great ways to reduce stress as well as anger is to go on long walks, take yoga and meditate. Long walks allow you to contemplate and yoga is made up of centuries-old techniques to relax and center a person.

Also, it’s always a good idea to just let go off the negative things in your life and to focus on the positive. If you’re having a hard time, just think of one person – just one – who really loves you and cares about you.

Also, I would like to mention that I’ve uncovered a study that showed happiness prevents breast cancer development in women. This is huge news and all women should aim for achieving happiness in their lifetime, not just for their mental health, but also their physical health.

To learn more about this study, please take a look at this blog.

By the way, happy Magic Monday! I have a song below just for this particular Monday.

Happiness Tip 15 – Give thanks for the warm summer months ahead!

Today’s happiness tip will be short and sweet.

With the wonderful weather outdoors, it’s important to enjoy the warmth and give thanks for the warm sunshine of the summer.Make sure to spend some time having a picnic underneath an oak tree or take a swim in a lake, ocean or even the local pool. Spend some time with friends and family in the great outdoors or have a neighborhood barbecue in your backyard.

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Another tip I have for you is to check out the other Breast Health and Healing blog! You can find it by clicking here.

Happiness Tip #14: Paint the Town Red Even If Waking Up at 6:30 the Next Day!

It is Magic Monday once again and time for another happiness tip.

In order to be happier, make sure to paint the town red not just on Friday or Saturday night, but on a workday too.

If you’re feeling down, take a walk in the midst of a busy city or in a quiet park. Choose the best place for you. Sometimes spending an evening in a nice coffee shop can be just the treat for you.

Feel the magic in the air. On a nice summer night, breathe in the fragrance of the flowers and the trees around you.

Eat a dripping watermelon slice or bite into a ripe peach to end your night on a good note. As you drift off to sleep, listen to some calming music.

Spending a night out on the town can bring you greater happiness, especially if you bring a friend along.

Happiness Tip #13: Give Thanks for Your Health

It is time for another Thanksgiving Thursday happiness tip!

Today, I would like to share something a woman told me through a social networking website. It is vital for us to be thankful for our health. This includes those that have never had cancer and those that have survived it. After all, breast cancer survivors did just that – they lived through a horrible, debilitating disease and showed cancer that they are fighters and won’t let it stand in the way of enjoying their life!

I am very thankful for my health and everyone thankful for their life should make sure to prolong it by exercising regularly, eating their fruits and veggies, limiting alcohol and never taking up smoking. Doing these four things will lead to a much healthier life and provide us with a lot more to be thankful for!

I am also thankful for a wonderful upcoming weekend, as I will be going to a wedding and spending time with family and friends. I hope everyone else has some wonderful plans this weekend and remembers to be thankful for all the blessings life gives us!